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.

Rogue in the Rain - Great Osaka kabuki portrait in the rarely seen oban format of a rogue sitting in the rain, gripping his sword in one hand and his scabbard in the other. He stares ahead as if lost in thought, his lips tightly pressed together in a frown. A mop of shorter hair sticks up atop his head, with the longer locks combed back over his shoulder. He wears a white fur vest over a red hexagonal and floral print kimono over a suit of armor with buttons down the front of the shirt. His green plaid and red outer robes have been pushed down to the waist. Raindrops slant across the dark night sky, a few leaves fluttering down in the wind. The title cartouche and text panel take the form of a scroll unrolling, the white background detailed with allover embossing and two rows of softly shaded crests. A striking composition with a beautifully expressive figure.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 13 7/8" x 9 1/4"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Backed with paper. Slight toning and soiling, faint ink offsetting, a few light creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.