Thirty-six Views of Japanese Art

Born on April 13, 1841 in Osaka, Japan, Yoshitaki began as a student of Yoshimune and was accepted as a leading printmaker of the Ukiyo-e genre from a young age. His well-known print designs are common of the late Edo and early Meiji period and the printmaking style of the Osaka School. The printmakers of Osaka, also known as the Osaka School, specialized in woodblock prints related to the popular Kabuki theaters. Kamigata prints is also another term for woodblock prints from the Osaka School. Prints made from the Osaka School are considered a good choice for collectors. Because they are usually printed on thick, robust album paper, typical of the Meiji period, they are well preserved without major condition issues. They were also printed using the new synthetic colors that do not fade, and mainly utilized the chuban format, making for easier storage. Most importantly, the subjects of Osaka prints were based off Kabuki plays which portrayed Japan's history and legends. So, not only are they decorative in style, but also research objects in Japan's history and culture.