Chikugo Province: Ichikawa Ebijuro IV as Kato Shigeuji and Fujikawa Tomokichi III as Shigeuji's Wife, circa 1862

by Kunikazu (active circa 1849 - 1867)

Current Status

Chikugo Province: Ichikawa Ebijuro IV as Kato Shigeuji and Fujikawa Tomokichi III as Shigeuji's Wife, circa 1862 by Kunikazu (active circa 1849 - 1867)

Original Kunikazu (active circa 1849 - 1867) Japanese Woodblock Print
Chikugo Province: Ichikawa Ebijuro IV as Kato Shigeuji and Fujikawa Tomokichi III as Shigeuji's Wife, circa 1862

Series; The Sixty-odd Provinces of Great Japan, circa 1862

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.

The Sixty-odd Provinces of Great Japan - Fantastic Osaka kabuki scene from a Kunikazu series pairing illustrations from popular plays with the provinces of Japan. These lively designs feature expressive figures set into handsome surroundings, rendered with attractive color and fine line work. Some feature deluxe printing techniques such as burnishing or embossing. A great choice for a collector of kamigata-e, prints from the Osaka region.

Artist - Kunikazu (active circa 1849 - 1867)

Image Size - 7" x 9 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - Good detail.

Chikugo Province: Ichikawa Ebijuro IV as Kato Shigeuji and Fujikawa Tomokichi III as Shigeuji's Wife, circa 1862 by Kunikazu (active circa 1849 - 1867)
Chikugo Province: Ichikawa Ebijuro IV as Kato Shigeuji and Fujikawa Tomokichi III as Shigeuji's Wife, circa 1862 by Kunikazu (active circa 1849 - 1867)

Auction Rules and guidelines

This Auction Falls Under Our Standard Auction Rules and Guidelines

If you are a new bidder, please read the Rules and Guidelines page before bidding.