Samurai Reading a Notice Board

by Yoshikuni (active circa 1813 - 1831)

Current Status

Samurai Reading a Notice Board by Yoshikuni (active circa 1813 - 1831)

Original Yoshikuni (active circa 1813 - 1831) Japanese Woodblock Print
Samurai Reading a Notice Board

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 format Osaka kabuki print of a samurai frowning angrily as he reads a notice on a board mounted to a wooden structure with two pillars. The traveler carries a large hat and has a cloth bundle slung around his back, the hilts of his swords protectively covered with cloth. A nice expressive figure, with wonderful wood grain detail in the structure.

Artist - Yoshikuni (active circa 1813 - 1831)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 10 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Vertical folds. A few small holes, repaired. Slight toning, soiling, and creasing, slight rubbing at edges, a few spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

Samurai Reading a Notice Board by Yoshikuni (active circa 1813 - 1831)
Samurai Reading a Notice Board by Yoshikuni (active circa 1813 - 1831)

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