Osaka Prints - Produced in the Kansai region, including Osaka and Kyoto, Osaka prints or kamigata-e are instantly distinguishable from typical Edo ukiyo-e. A major difference is the choice of subject matter. Osaka prints were nearly always portraits of actors or kabuki scenes. In contrast, Edo print subjects included beauties, landscapes, nature scenes, warriors, and historic events, in addition to kabuki.

Distinctly different artistic styles also emerged in Edo and Osaka in the 18th and 19th century, resulting in certain recognizable characteristics for each area. Osaka prints feature more subtle, serious figures, reflecting the wagoto or soft style of acting prevalent in the area, along with distinctive facial expressions. The aragato or brash manner of acting popular in Edo influenced print designs towards bolder images of heroism and military prowess.

Much like the style of the prints, the demand for ukiyo-e in the cities of Osaka and Edo also varied. Osaka produced far fewer ukiyo-e designs than Edo did. As a consequence, Osaka prints are rarer and also some of the highest quality prints made in the 19th century, with many featuring deluxe techniques such as burnishing or embossing. Osaka prints are a rare and wonderful collecting area of Japanese woodblocks.

Comments - Handsome Osaka kabuki scene of a courtesan kneeling on a porch writing a letter, pausing to look up when a samurai arrives. Still holding the brush in her hand, she looks over her shoulder as the man bows slightly, one hand resting atop the hilt of his sword. Stepping stones lead through the garden under the dark night sky, with the silhouettes of beauties dancing visible on the windows of the teahouse in the distance. Beautifully detailed with soft shading in the shoji windows at right and fine line work in the simulated wood grain of the panels below. Includes burnishing in the black collar of the samurai's under robe.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 13 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Two separate panels. A few small holes, tiny losses at corners, repaired. Slight soiling, ink marks, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.