Comments - Fantastic six-panel print illustrating professional sumo wrestlers in Japan. The athletes are all sekitori, wrestlers ranked in one of the top two professional classes of the sport. Many wear fringed aprons traditionally worn for the opening ceremony of a match, with one sumo at bottom center performing the foot-stomping ritual said to frighten away demons. A few are dressed black coats and kimono, holding a towel or folding fan. An inset in the form of a scroll unrolling lists information about the wrestlers, and each is accompanied by a small yellow name cartouche. An incredible sumo group portrait, with wonderful individual detail in the figures. A great subject for an enthusiast of this ancient sport.

Artist - Kuniteru II (1829 - 1874)

Image Size - 14" x 56 1/2" + margins as shown

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Six separate panels. Vertical folds. Small loss at corner, large tear at edge, smaller tear at edge, small loss, a few holes, repaired. Creasing and wrinkling, slight soiling, stains. Please see photos for details.