Sumo Wrestlers of the Western Group: (right) Kashiwado Kandayu from Edo, (left) and Inagawa Masaemon from Osaka

Art Historical Context

Katsukawa Shunshō (1726–1792), a figure in the Katsukawa school of uki-e woodblock printing, captures the raw power and rivalry of sumo in this vibrant oban-sized color woodblock print from around 1784. Titled *Sumo Wrestlers of Western Group: (right) Kashiwado Kandayū from Edo, (left) Inagawa Masaemon from Osaka*, it portrays two formidable wrestlers from rival regions—Edo (modern Tokyo) and Osaka—poised in dynamic stances, their muscular forms rendered with striking realism and intensity. Shunshō's mastery of portraiture shines here, blending the theatrical flair of kabuki actor prints with the athletic drama of sumo stars. Produced during Japan's Edo period, when sumo was rising as a national spectacle tied to Shinto rituals and urban entertainment, this print reflects the era's fascination with yokozuna (grand champions) and regional tournaments. Woodblock printing, a collaborative craft involving carvers, printers, and publishers, allowed affordable dissemination of such celebrity images to the masses, fueling a booming market for "floating world" art. Shunshō's innovative use of bold lines, subtle gradations (via bokashi shading), and vivid mineral-based colors like Prussian blue brought unprecedented life to his subjects. Housed in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts of Asia department, this work exemplifies ukiyo-e's cultural snapshot—celebrating strength, regional pride, and the thrill of competition in 18th-century Japan. A must-see for fans of sumo history and Japanese printmaking!