The 47 Ronin, Act 11: The Night Attack on Moronao's Mansion and the Discovery of Moronao

by Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Current Status

The 47 Ronin, Act 11: The Night Attack on Moronao's Mansion and the Discovery of Moronao by Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Original Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899) Japanese Woodblock Print
The 47 Ronin, Act 11: The Night Attack on Moronao's Mansion and the Discovery of Moronao

Kanadehon Chushingura, 1865

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.

The 47 Ronin, Act 11: The Night Attack on Moronao's Mansion and the Discovery of Moronao - Yoshitaki's Kanadehon Chushingura - Osaka artist Yoshitaki's kabuki series "Kanadehon Chushingura" presents the classic story of the 47 ronin in vibrantly colored and finely detailed images. Each design features expressive figures in handsome settings, with characters identified by red name cartouches and a red border with the ronin's dogtooth pattern. The series is beautifully printed with deluxe treatments such as burnishing and embossing, in a rare horizontal oban format. Yoshitaki was one of the leading Osaka print designers in the mid- to late-19th century. A great choice for a collector interested in kamigata-e.

Artist - Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

Image Size - 8 3/4" x 13 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with good color and detail as shown. Light soiling. Light toning. Please see photos for details. Please see photos for details. Good overall.

The 47 Ronin, Act 11: The Night Attack on Moronao's Mansion and the Discovery of Moronao by Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)
The 47 Ronin, Act 11: The Night Attack on Moronao's Mansion and the Discovery of Moronao by Yoshitaki (1841 - 1899)

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