Comments - Terrific Sharaku triptych depicting the eight-year-old boy wrestler Daidozan Bungoro taking part in the opening ceremonies before a sumo match. He stands in the center of the ring, stamping his foot and wearing the traditional fringed apron. Ten wrestlers are gathered around watching him, each a specific portrait rather than an idealized figure, in a variety of carefully observed and drawn attitudes and expressions. One man points at the child while others frown with displeasure or smile with amusement. In the left panel, the wrestlers are: top row, Tanikaze and Raiden; middle row, Miyagino; bottom row, Tatsugaseki and Kachozan. In the right panel, the wrestlers are: top row, Kumonryu and Tamagaki; middle row, Wadagahara; bottom row, Semiyana and Jinmaku. Beautifully detailed with soft color. An incredible and rare Sharaku sumo subject.

Woodblock reprints - In the 20th century, artists and publishers collaborated to recreate famous woodblock prints for interested Japanese collectors and Westerners looking for rare designs. New blocks were made, and the prints were painstakingly printed by artisan printers in the same method as the 19th century originals - one block for each color. Woodblock reprints were an opportunity to collect and enjoy a famous design at a small fraction of the price of an original. They still are today.

Artist - Sharaku (active 1794 - 1795)

Image Size - 14 3/4" x 29 3/4" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent color and detail as shown. Three separate panels. Please see photos for details. Good overall.