A Game of Hand Sumo in the New Yoshiwara 1730 - 1750

Furuyama Moromasa’s ‘A Game of Hand Sumo in the New Yoshiwara’ is a woodblock print, an Oban, and an intimate glimpse into Edo period leisure. The intricate composition, dominated by linear patterns and the subtle interplay of colour, invites us into a seemingly simple, yet highly structured space. The linear perspective, though not strictly Western, guides our eye through the scene, emphasizing the architecture of the Yoshiwara district. The tatami mats, the beams, and the sliding doors create a grid-like structure, which provides a framework for the figures within. Notice how the artist uses colour sparingly; the muted tones are punctuated by vibrant accents in the kimonos and the red pillars, drawing our attention to key points of interest. The print captures a moment of lighthearted entertainment. Yet, beneath this surface lies a complex social and economic structure. The Yoshiwara was a licensed pleasure district, its inhabitants bound by strict rules and conventions. Moromasa’s print, while seemingly innocuous, offers a glimpse into this world. It's a place of both beauty and constraint. The print, ultimately, presents a space of constant negotiation between freedom and restriction.