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.

Otani Tomomatsu I as Yaegaki-hime, 1859 - Wonderful Osaka kabuki portrait of Otani Tomomatsu I as Yaegaki-hime, the fiancee of the supposedly dead Takeda Katsuyori. Disguised as a gardener, Katsuyori enters the rival Uesugi mansion to recover a magical Takeda clan helmet. He is recognized by both Princess Yaegaki and her father, who sends him on a mission knowing that he will be ambushed and killed. The princess decides to warn the young samurai and deliver the helmet to him, but she encounters a frozen lake that she is unable to cross. She prays to the god of the Suwa Shrine, who sends a magic fox to protect her and accompany her across the icy expanse. Here, she looks over her shoulder with an agonized expression, unsure what to do to save her lover. She clutches the dramatic horned helmet topped with a demon's head against her shoulder, the shaggy white wig falling over her floral kimono and behind her back. Nicely detailed with embossing in the wig. A fantastic, expressive image from a rarely seen series by Hironobu, that we've seen offered elsewhere online for up to $1,500. A great example of kamigata-e in the unusual full oban format.

Artist - Hironobu (active circa 1851-1872)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 8 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. A few wormholes and thinning spots, repaired. Creasing and soiling, slight rubbing near edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.