Act 4 of Inazuma Soshi, 1850

by Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863)

Current Status

Act 4 of Inazuma Soshi, 1850 by Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863)

Original Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863) Japanese Woodblock Print
Act 4 of Inazuma Soshi, 1850

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.

Special detail - Delicate cloth embossing on the white trim at left and the gray trim, obi, leggings, and wrist protectors at right. From left, the actors are Nakamura Utaemon IV as Fuwa Banzaemon and Jitsukawa Enzaburo I as Nagoya Sanza in Act 4 of "Satomoyo Kabuki no Inazuma" at the Naka Theater.

Artist - Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863)

Image Size - 9 7/8" x 14 5/8" + margin as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Two separate panels, backed with paper. Vertical fold at side. A few creases and small rubbed spots, rubbing at side. Please see photos for details.

Act 4 of Inazuma Soshi, 1850 by Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863)
Act 4 of Inazuma Soshi, 1850 by Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863)

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