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.
Comments - Rare oban Osaka kabuki triptych depicting a scene from "Keisei Suo no Dairi" at the Naka Theater. At right, the Heavenly Woman of Itsukushima rises up above the undulating waves on a jet of water, looking to the side with an angry expression. She wears an elegant robe with a dragon on it, trimmed with layers of ruffles, and a headdress topped with a torii gate and a dragon. A basket with a sleeping baby hangs from the tree above. In the center, Ouchi Samanosuke pauses during his swordfight with Naruto Kobei to grimace up at the beauty. From left, the actors are Bando Jutaro I, Arashi Kitsusaburo II, and Arashi Tomisaburo II as the Heavenly Woman of Itsukushima. A fantastic, dramatic design with the fighting taking place on a peninsula surrounded by crashing waves beneath a black night sky. Nicely detailed with embossing on the cherry blossoms.
Artist - Ashiyuki (active circa 1813 - 1831)
Image Size - 14 1/4" x 30 3/8" + margins as shown
Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Horizontal centerfold, vertical folds at sides. A few small repairs and creases. Please see photos for details.
