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 illustration from the play "Keisei Hana no Konoshita" featuring from left, Nakamura Utaemon III as Konoshita Tokichi, Ichikawa Ichizo II as Mori no Ranmaru, Kataoka Nizaemon VII as Oda Harunaga, and Ichikawa Ebijuro I as Yamaguchi Kurojiro. The daimyo Oda Harunaga sits on a cushion in the center with his loyal retainer Mori Ranmaru kneeling beside him, scowling angrily as he watches the two men below attacking each other with spears. At left, Konoshita Tokichi lunges ahead with his spear as Yamaguchi Korojiro uses the handle of his own weapon to block the blow. A terrific design with expressive figures and wonderful detail in the elegant palace setting. Most kamigata-e or prints from the Osaka region were chuban size, so it's rare to find a full oban format triptych like this one. Also in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

Artist - Hokushu (active circa 1810 - 1830)

Image Size - 15 1/8" x 30 7/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Thinning and tiny tear at edge, small wormhole repaired. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases. Please see photos for details. Good overall.