The Sumo Wrestler Kurogumo Otozo with the Teahouse Waitress Naniwaya Okita c. early 1790s

Katsukawa Shun'ei made this woodblock print of a sumo wrestler and teahouse waitress in the late 1700s or early 1800s. The chosen material, wood, and its inherent grain, dictated the process of carving, inking, and printing, a meticulous hand-made method integral to the art’s final form. Consider how the flat planes of color define the figures and their garments, achieved through carefully layering different blocks. Note the texture of the paper itself. This wasn't merely a reproduction process; it was a skilled tradition that involved close collaboration between the artist, block carver, and printer, each contributing to the final aesthetic. This print’s social significance lies in its representation of popular culture, where sumo wrestlers were akin to modern-day celebrities. The choice of materials, production, and subject matter elevates the everyday and challenges the strict categorization of art, craftsmanship, and entertainment.