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 - Interesting kabuki print of a man doing penance under a rushing waterfall, a rope tied around his chest beneath his kimono and his hands clasped together in prayer. He clenches a sword wrapped in red brocade cloth between his teeth. Diagonal page divisions separate the man from two other figures. At left, a beauty raises a fan above her head as she stares to the side, her lips tightly pressed together. At right, a samurai frowns as he looks up. A great, bold design with a dramatic composition. A handsome Osaka kabuki triptych in the rare full oban format.

Artist - Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Image Size - 13 3/4" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight thinning and rubbing along vertical fold in right panel, a few small holes, repaired. Slight soiling, a few small spots. Please see photos for details. Good overall.