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 portrait from the play commonly known as "Imoseyama Onna Teikin" of the widow Sadaka standing beside a rushing river with a flowering cherry branch in hand. The river separates her estate from that of her neighbor, Kiyosumi, with whom she is feuding. One spring, her daughter falls in love with his son, the young couple unaware that their parents are bitter enemies, which leads to tragedy. She stares ahead with a dour expression, her lips slightly open. She wears a plum colored outer robe patterned with egrets in flight and yellow clouds over a gray and white print kimono, the fabric trailing onto the ground around her. Cherry trees covered with pink blossoms glow along the slope above the water behind her. A quietly expressive figure in oban size, a format rarely seen in kamigata-e.

Artist - Yoshikuni (active circa 1813 - 1831)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 9 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Horizontal and vertical folds. A few small holes, thinning at corner, repaired. Slight soiling and rubbing, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.