Yokohama Sumo Wrestler Defeating a Foreigner 1861

Ippōsai Yoshifuji made this woodblock print depicting a sumo wrestler defeating a foreigner, using a process deeply rooted in Japanese tradition. Woodblock printing, or *ukiyo-e*, involves carving an image into a block of wood, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper. The vibrant colors and bold lines, achieved through meticulous carving and layering of inks, give the scene a dynamic energy. The choice of this medium is itself significant. *Ukiyo-e* prints were not just art objects, they were also a form of mass media. They were relatively inexpensive to produce and purchase, making them accessible to a wide audience during a time of social and political change. This print captures a moment of cultural tension, reflecting Japan’s complex relationship with the outside world. Woodblock prints like this one blur the lines between commercial product and fine art, offering insights into the social context of their time. They remind us that art is always embedded in the material conditions of its making.