Confrontation in a Garden

by Sadahiro II (1838 - 1918)

Current Status

Confrontation in a Garden by Sadahiro II (1838 - 1918)

Original Sadahiro II (1838 - 1918) Japanese Woodblock Print
Confrontation in a Garden

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 - Interesting Osaka kabuki triptych depicting a confrontation taking place in a garden. A beauty sits on a bench in the center, pouting with chin tilted down, a pipe in hand. At right, a gardener leans forward with an angry scowl, a broom trailing on the ground beside him. Another man kneels at left, a black lacquer tobacco set in his outstretched hand. Behind the figures, fenced beds of chrysanthemums are protected by blue and white checked roofs, paper collar supporting the blossoms. An intriguing design with expressive figures and a nicely detailed setting. Includes burnishing on the tobacco set, embossing on the blue and white kimono at left, and metallic pigment that has oxidized to a dark tone on the beauty's robe.

Artist - Sadahiro II (1838 - 1918)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 21" + left margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight separation at ends of folds between panels, a couple tiny losses at edges, repaired. Slight toning and soiling. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Confrontation in a Garden by Sadahiro II (1838 - 1918)
Confrontation in a Garden by Sadahiro II (1838 - 1918)

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