Adachigahara

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 - Terrific four-panel print depicting the kabuki play "Adachigahara." At right, Hachimantaro (Minamoto no Yoshiie) watches with a tightlipped frown as a young girl pleads with the warrior in the center who grips his sword behind his back. The samurai at left stares back at him, a bow in his hand. The kneeling woman at left eyes the group suspiciously out of the corners of her eyes as she anxiously wrings the cloth in her hands. Above, snow covers the red blossoms and buds of a plum tree against the night sky. Beautifully detailed with burnishing on the black kimono at left, the black stripes on the kimono in the center panel, and accents of metallic pigment that have oxidized to a dark tone. A striking design in a rare, complete four-panel format.

Artist - Sadanobu II (1848 - 1940)

Image Size - 9 5/8" x 27 7/8" + margins as shown

Condition - Good color and detail. Horizontal centerfold. A few small repairs and creases.