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 - Great Osaka kabuki print depicting a New Year's Celebration. At lower right, a man waves the Lucky God Daikoku's magic mallet while someone else holds up a figure of Hotei above his head. The fellow at left carries a decorated branch over his shoulder and wears a Western top hat along with traditional kimono. A charming image, nicely colored and detailed, with burnishing on the black kimono and black kimono collars. A rare full oban format Osaka print, which are more commonly seen in the smaller chuban size.

Artist - Sadanobu I (1809 - 1879)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 9 3/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Slight toning, a few creases, faint paperclip rust mark at corner. Please see photos for details. Good overall.