Three Sumo Wrestlers c. 1820 - 1859

print, ink, color-on-paper

aged paper

toned paper

print

japan

personal sketchbook

ink

color-on-paper

ink drawing experimentation

coffee painting

sketchbook drawing

watercolour illustration

storyboard and sketchbook work

sketchbook art

watercolor

"Three Sumo Wrestlers" is a woodblock print by the Japanese artist Nakajima Raishō (1796-1871), dated c. 1820-1859. It depicts three sumo wrestlers in a humorous scene, showcasing the artist's mastery of capturing the dynamic poses and expressions of these powerful athletes. Raishō, known for his ukiyo-e prints, often depicted scenes of daily life, and this print is a testament to the popularity of sumo wrestling in Edo-period Japan. The print is currently housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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Since all the poems included in this print refer to things associated with autumn, it must have commemorated a sumo match held that season. The large wrestler is getting dressed in a red and white ceremonial apron, which is worn for a ritual performed by ranking wrestlers before the day's bouts begin. Another wrestler of lower rank helps him secure the apron. Wrestlers are ranked by their achievements in a tournament and could lose their rank if they underperform.