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.

Special detail - Burnished pattern on the black kimono at left, embossing on the cherry blossoms, the white sleeve in the second panel from the left, and the priest's white kimono. From right, the actors are Nakamura Utaemon IV as Bishop Henjo, Bun'ya no Yasuhide, and Priest Kisen; Nakayama Nanshi II as Ono no Komachi; and Nakamura Utaemon IV as Ariwara Narihira and Otomo Kuronushi in a scene from the play "Rokkasen" (The Six Poetic Immortals) at the Naka Theater.

Artist - Hirosada (active circa 1847 - 1863)

Image Size - 9 3/4" x 41 3/4"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Six attached panels, backed with paper. Vertical folds. Slight separation at end of fold, repaired. Slight soiling, stain. Please see photos for details.