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 - Charming fan print depicting a kneeling beauty presenting a poem slip to a man relaxing on a bench smoking a pipe. He smiles down at her, watching with keen interest. He wears a red coat with phoenix medallions over a purple kimono, tied with a black obi. White blossoms and buds dot the plum tree behind them, and another woman watches at left, standing next to a row of stepping stones across a pond. The sky is shaded from red to white. An attractive design with vibrant color and burnishing in the black collar, obi, and sandal. Includes an allover dusting of mica. Osaka fan prints are rarely seen in the market. An interesting and unusual subject, great for a collector.

Artist - Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Image Size - Page size 10 3/8" x 8 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small thinning spot, repaired. Slight soiling, few light creases, small paper inclusion. Please see photos for details. Nice overall.