Ohta Masamitsu (Ota)
- Medium:
- Woodblock print
- Format:
- Oban
- Publisher:
- Watanabe Shozaburo
- Source:
$2,000–$15,000. Common subjects: $2,000–$5,000. Key value factors: Yamamura's Art Deco-influenced designs are particularly sought after. Kabuki actor prints and bold modern compositions command the highest prices.
This [oban](/glossary/oban) woodblock print appears to depict or reference Ohta Masamitsu, whose name suggests a historical or literary figure rather than a kabuki character. The Ota clan were prominent samurai during the Sengoku period, and Masamitsu may refer to a figure from that martial heritage. Toyonari occasionally drew subjects from Japanese history outside the kabuki stage, and this print may represent a [musha-e](/glossary/musha-e) (warrior picture) or a portrait of a historical personality. The woodblock technique renders the subject with the same bold outlines and flat color areas that define Toyonari's actor prints, applying his established visual language to a different genre. The print expands the picture of Toyonari as an artist whose interests, while centered on the theater, extended into broader historical and cultural territory.
1919
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper
Woodblock print
1920
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper with mica
1920
Woodblock print, ink and color on paper with nikawa and embossing
Woodblock print
c. 1828/30
Color woodblock print; surimono
Woodblock print
Woodblock print
Curated cross-cuts that include this print.
Ohta Masamitsu (Ota) was created by Yamamura Toyonari (山村豊成).
Ohta Masamitsu (Ota) was published by Watanabe Shozaburo.
Ohta Masamitsu (Ota) depicts warriors and portraits.