Transmitting the Spirit, Revealing the Form of Things, Volume 1 to 15 of Hokusai Sketchbooks (Denshin kaishu: Hokusai manga, shohen–jugohen) 伝神開手北斎漫画 初編-十五編 1814 - 1878

These pages are from Hokusai’s Sketchbooks, made with woodblock printing, showcasing scenes of Japanese life and mythology. Here, warriors grapple, their bodies entwined in dynamic struggle, revealing an interest in the human figure in motion, reminiscent of classical depictions of wrestling matches. Notice the sword each figure carries, an icon of power and status. The image recalls ancient Greco-Roman wrestling scenes, where athletic prowess symbolized cultural strength. Just as in ancient friezes, the exaggerated, expressive gestures here evoke an emotional intensity. These motifs are echoed across cultures, from the gladiatorial combats of Rome to the warrior ethos of feudal Japan, revealing how our collective fascination with the themes of honor, strength, and the psychological drive for dominance transcends time. Hokusai captures a universal dance of conflict, reflecting humanity's enduring engagement with violence.