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. 

Kataoka Matsutaro as Princess Takiya - Charming kabuki portrait of Kataoka Matsutaro as Princess Takiya, looking over her shoulder with a keen expression as she pulls up her sleeve. Her red outer robe features paulownia leaves and a phoenix in flight, worn over a purple kimono decorated with maple leaves and a red under robe, her long hair falling loosely over her shoulders. A tattered blind hangs above autumn grasses and blossoms behind her. Nicely detailed with fine line work in the hair and delicate cloth embossing on the text panel.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Small repair, a couple creases at edges. Please see photos for details.