31 Utagawa Yoshitora 1836 – 1882 A Grand Sumo Tournament Match

Japan, c. 1849–1853 (Edo period)

This dynamic print, which forms the center panel of an originally three-part composition (triptych), was designed by Utagawa Yoshitora, one of the most prominent pupils of the great master Kuniyoshi. Although Yoshitora is primarily remembered in art history as a leading master of warrior prints (musha-e) and scenes of foreigners (Yokohama-e), this woodblock print demonstrates his remarkable artistic versatility. The scene takes the viewer straight to the heart of a grand sumo tournament (kanjin-zumō). The match takes place in the ring (dohyō) under a traditional wooden canopy. In the center, seen from behind, is the referee (gyōji) holding his war fan (gunbai) – the text cartouche to his right identifies him as the famous Shikimori Inosuke. Three massive wrestlers (rikishi) wearing ceremonial aprons (keshō-mawashi) are positioned in the ring. The blue canopy curtain features a central Paulownia crest and large characters referring to the tournament's promoter (Kanjinmoto). Based on the structure of the two round censor seals (nanushi) located just above the signature in the lower-left corner, the print can be accurately dated to the Kaei era (c. 1849–1853). This is a highly attractive and energetic example of mid-19th-century sports graphic art.