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.

Oban Osaka Kabuki Prints - Most Osaka kabuki prints were done in the smaller chuban size, so full oban format kamigata-e are rarely seen.
These larger Osaka kabuki woodblocks are a great choice for a collector. 

Special detail - Handsome scene from the play "Keisei Yanagikazura" at the Naka Theater. From right, the actors are Arashi Kano I as the wife Omatsu, Arashi Rikan II as Watanabe Ryosuke, Fujikawa Tomokichi II as Azuma, Ichikawa Danzo V as Yodoya Tatsugoro, and Nakayama Ittoku II as the gentlewoman Otsugi.

Artist - Ashiyuki (active circa 1813 - 1831)

Image Size - 15" x 40 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good detail as shown. Four separate panels. Vertical folds. Losses at edges, wormholes, repaired. Creasing throughout, rubbing, staining. Please see photos for details.