No. 118, March 2001

Selections from the NDL Collection
Sumo nishiki-e

Sumo (Japanese traditional wrestling) is an ancient sport dating back some 1,500 years. The first sumo matches were a form of ritual dedicated to the gods. The predecessor of modern professional sumo developed throughout the Edo period (1603-1867) marked by the rise to power of the new merchant classe. During the Edo period sumo and the theater were the two major sources of entertainment for the people. The nishiki-e served the function of increasing the popularity of sumo and plays. 

Utagawa Kunisada I, who also used the name of Toyokuni III and many lesser names, was a leading ukiyo-e artist of the late Edo period, famous for his pictures of kabuki actors, beautifle women and sumo. The NDL holds more than hundred sheets of his sumo nishiki-e. 

Koyanagi Tsunekichi (left), Arauma Kichigoro (middle), Gyoji Shikimori Inosuke (right) A bout between Koyanagi (1791-1858) and Arauma (1815-1854). Koyanagi (later Onomatsu Midorinosuke) became the 6th Yokozuna (grand champion) in 1828. Even today, only 60-odd sumotori have been promoted to Yokozuna. From the Period of the Warring States through the Edo period, many of the strongest sumotori were employed as retainers by the daimyo (feudal lords) to enhance their prestage. Koyanagi/Onomatsu was most famous of these.

Ikezuki Geitazaemon. c 1844 Giants who were not skilled in sumo were brought to Edo to serve as attractions by having them conduct a dohyo-iri by themselves. Ikezuki was one of these giant sumotori who was 227 cm. tall and weighted 169 kg. when he came to Edo at the age of eighteen.

Momotaro Kaidomaru no Sumo (Momotaro and Kaidomaru wrestling). c 1843-4
A favorite pictorial joke in the Edo period was the depiction of sumo performed by unusual participants. Here the two Strong Boys of Japanese folktales meet. Momotaro, born from a giant peach, defeated ogres assisted by his trusty dog, monkey and pheasant. Kintaro (here called Kaidomaru), grew up on a mountain with animals as his friends. Momotaro's pheasant appears on the right, while Kintaro's bear acts on the left. 

Kanjin Ozumo Hakkei. Keiko no Zu (above), Sakamori no Zu (below). 1843 Sumo nishiki-e are a valuable source of information on the sumo culture of the Edo period. In the set of three pictures above, Kunisada shows a training area. Besides the practice bout in the center, one man at the left is strengthening his arms by pushing against the wall, while at the right, a belt (mawashi) is being put on. Below, Koyanagi (center top) and his fellow sumotori feast and watch small boys wrestling.