Angry Confrontation and Supernatural Flame

by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

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Angry Confrontation and Supernatural Flame by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Original Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940) Japanese Woodblock Print
Angry Confrontation and Supernatural Flame

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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.

Angry Confrontation and Supernatural Flame - Handsome, full oban Osaka kabuki triptych featuring several men and a woman in an angry confrontation. At lower left, a nobleman in a tall black court cap holds a sword wrapped in red cloth in his outstretched hand as he frowns at the beauty at right. She seems frightened, turning her body away and tilting her head and eyeing him suspiciously as she raises her kimono sleeve between them. At top center, an enraged young man grimaces at the nobleman while pushing up his sleeve. He wears a striking red kimono patterned with a phoenix with colorful feathers. A flame shaded from green to red to yellow dances in the dark blue sky beside him, a sign of a supernatural occurrence taking place. Great interaction between the characters, detailed with lively color, burnishing on the black court cap, embossing in the white robe at left., and touches of metallic pigment that have oxidized to a dark tone. A rare full oban format Osaka print.

Artist - Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Image Size - 14 1/8" x 27 1/8" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Slight soiling and creasing. Please see photos for details.

Angry Confrontation and Supernatural Flame by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)
Angry Confrontation and Supernatural Flame by Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

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