The Third Otani Hiroji as a Wrestler 1780 - 1800

"The Third Otani Hiroji as a Wrestler" is a ukiyo-e woodblock print by Katsukawa Shunkō, depicting a famous wrestler, Otani Hiroji, in a dramatic pose. The print showcases the artist's mastery of depicting movement and the human figure, highlighting the wrestler's powerful physique and the flowing lines of his clothing. Created between 1780-1800, this print reflects the popularity of kabuki theater and sumo wrestling in Edo-period Japan, where such subjects were often celebrated in artistic forms. This artwork, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, offers a glimpse into the world of Japanese popular culture during the 18th century.