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 - Bold Osaka kabuki triptych of a confrontation between two warriors, the wild-haired samurai at left gripping his sword upright as he glares angrily at the fellow at right. He wears a red vest with dragons over his suit of armor. At right, his foe scowls back at him, wearing a red kimono with a dragon and waves on it over his armor. Between them, a nobleman reacts with alarm, while at left, a beauty watches them suspiciously out of the corners of her eyes as she holds a shamisen. Beautifully detailed with burnishing in the woman's black kimono. A great composition, the colorful figures nicely set off against the deep red background. A rare full oban format Osaka print.

Artist - Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Image Size - 14" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight separation at ends of vertical folds in two panels, repaired. Slight soiling, a few spots marks and creases, slight rubbing. Please see photos for details. Good overall.