Sumo wrestler Somagahana Fuchiemon 

This is a woodblock print by Utagawa Kunisada, portraying the sumo wrestler Somagahana Fuchiemon. Immediately striking is the figure's commanding presence, achieved through the artist’s use of bold lines and contrasting colours. The composition emphasizes mass and volume, typical of Kunisada’s approach. The wrestler's robe, rendered in deep black, visually anchors the figure. Intricate patterns adorn the fabrics, introducing a complex interplay of textures. The sword is angled diagonally to cut across the solid mass of the wrestler's form. The flatness of the picture plane is characteristic of traditional Ukiyo-e prints. Kunisada masterfully employs this technique to flatten the figure and create a dynamic tension between depth and surface. The print invites us to consider how traditional forms can still convey complex meanings through careful manipulation of visual elements.