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 - Rare four-panel oban Osaka kabuki print featuring a scene from the play commonly known as "Sukeroku." The otokodate or street knight Sukeroku and the elderly samurai Ikyu are both in love with the beautiful courtesan Agemaki. She wears a fantastic outer kimono patterned with woodblock prints, and a striking obi featuring a fierce dragon's head, flames, and swirling clouds. At left, Sukeroku strikes an aggressive pose, scowling as he pushes up his kimono sleeve while his rival Ikyu glares back at him from the bench at right. At far left, the white sake seller watches with a dismayed expression, his mouth agape. Matsumoto Koshiro appears as Ikyu. A wonderful design with fine detail in the clothing and setting, and light embossing in the cherry blossoms framing the scene. A rare Osaka design in full oban format.

Artist - Hokucho (active 1822 - 1830)

Image Size - 14 1/4" x 40 1/8"

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Four separate panels, left panel backed. Horizontal centerfold in one panel. Losses at corners, a few wormholes. Slight toning and soiling, a few creases and marks, stain. Please see photos for details.