The Sumo Wrestler Shirataki Saijirō 1814
ryuryukyoshinsai1
minneapolisinstituteofart
print, ink, color-on-paper
fine art illustration
childish illustration
cartoon like
cartoon based
caricature
japan
cartoon sketch
ink
color-on-paper
wedding around the world
watercolour illustration
cartoon style
cartoon carciture
This ukiyo-e print, created in 1814 by the artist Ryūryūkyo Shinsai, depicts the sumo wrestler Shirataki Saijirō. The wrestler is shown in a seated pose, with his massive physique and powerful stance emphasized by the artist's use of bold lines and vibrant colors. The image is a testament to Shinsai's skill in capturing the strength and energy of sumo wrestlers. The composition is dynamic, with the wrestler's body filling the frame, and the background providing a sense of depth and atmosphere. This print, like many others of the Edo period, serves as a valuable document of Japanese culture, offering insights into the popular sports and entertainment of the time.
Comments
Shirataki Saijirō was 14 when this portrait was created, and he was already five-feet-nine and 190 pounds. His career as a sumo wrestler in Edo was very brief—he only appeared in one tournament, in1813, where he lost all bouts. This near-pristine print must have been produced shortly thereafter.
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