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 - Rare, full oban sized Osaka triptych depicting a courtesan looking over her shoulder with a tight-lipped frown as she holds an ornate pipe. Her black outer robe features colorful tie-dyed motifs and what appear to be small three-dimensional gourds over a red tie-dyed robe with a white collar. The young woman at lower left looks at her with a worried expression as she holds a small cloth bag. At upper right, a man grimaces as he looks over his shoulder. Detailed with a metallic pigment that has oxidized to a darker tone on the courtesan's hair ornaments and the white collars, with embossing on the white area of the courtesan's sleeve. A handsome deluxe design in an unusual format for Osaka prints.

Artist - Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Image Size - 13 1/2" x 27 5/8" + top margin as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three attached panels, backed with paper. Slight separation along vertical folds, repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and marks. Please see photos for details. Good overall.