Utagawa Kunisada (1786 - 865) a woodblock print triptych from the series Eight Views of Kanjin Sumo, framed and glazed
Edo period, 19th century
55cm x 90.5cm
Kanjin Sumo is a form of public sporting event, dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868) to raise funds for building or repairing temples and shrines.
A peak behind the scenes of the sumo stable, heya: some wrestlers are training their attack, others watching, two stretching, another is helped by a colleague to wrap his loincloth, mawashi.
A stack of rice barrels are a hint of the carb-heavy diet. In the corner we see taiko drums, played by ring attendants yobidashi to mark the start and end of a tournament. A bucket of water and a cup offers a refreshment in the heat of the summer.
Sumo wrestlers enjoyed a high social status and some were treated as celebrities. Woodblock prints were the vehicle for their success, a colectable memoir of an important match and posters promoting upcoming events.
Utagawa Kunisada (1786 - 865) a woodblock print triptych from the series Eight Views of Kanjin Sumo, framed and glazed
Edo period, 19th century
55cm x 90.5cm
Kanjin Sumo is a form of public sporting event, dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868) to raise funds for building or repairing temples and shrines.
A peak behind the scenes of the sumo stable, heya: some wrestlers are training their attack, others watching, two stretching, another is helped by a colleague to wrap his loincloth, mawashi.
A stack of rice barrels are a hint of the carb-heavy diet. In the corner we see taiko drums, played by ring attendants yobidashi to mark the start and end of a tournament. A bucket of water and a cup offers a refreshment in the heat of the summer.
Sumo wrestlers enjoyed a high social status and some were treated as celebrities. Woodblock prints were the vehicle for their success, a colectable memoir of an important match and posters promoting upcoming events.
