Puppet of the sumo wrestler Hidenoyama Raigorō by Utagawa Kunisada

Puppet of the sumo wrestler Hidenoyama Raigorō c. 1844

print, ink, color-on-paper

quirky illustration

childish illustration

cartoon like

cartoon based

print

japan

cartoon sketch

ink

color-on-paper

wedding around the world

watercolour illustration

cartoon style

cartoon carciture

cartoon theme

This woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada depicts a woman holding a puppet of the famous sumo wrestler Hidenoyama Raigorō. The print is a classic example of *ukiyo-e* art, a popular genre of Japanese art that flourished in the Edo period (1603–1868). Kunisada was a prolific artist known for his vibrant colors and detailed depictions of everyday life. This print captures the playful nature of the *ukiyo-e* style, showcasing a woman's amusement at the sumo wrestler's physique. The vibrant colors and dynamic composition create a captivating visual experience that speaks to the enduring appeal of this art form.

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart about 1 year ago

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This print belongs to a series of five showing beautiful women holding puppets that represent popular wrestlers of the day (it’s unclear if these puppets actually existed or were an invention of the artist). Hidenoyama Raigorō (1808–1862) was one of the greatest wrestlers in the Edo period. In 1847 he was appointed the ninth yokozuna in the history of sumo, the highest rank possible for a wrestler.