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 - Terrific example of kamigata-e or prints from the Osaka region featuring portraits of four kabuki actors. At lower right, an actor appears in an aragoto role as a bombastic, fierce warrior, gripping a large bamboo pole over his shoulder, his other hand clenched in a fist. His hair sticks up wildly around his head and his read stage makeup adds to his dramatic appearance. At lower right, a young man looks over his shoulder with an angry sneer, wearing a white cloth tied over the back of his head with wings of hair sticking out over it. A great Edo era image with wonderfully expressive figures.

Artist - 19th century artist (unsigned)

Image Size - 13 5/8" x 9"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Losses at edges, thinning, a few holes, repaired. Soiling, a few creases, slight rubbing at edges. Please see photos for details. Good overall.