Popular Pillars of the Spring Sumo Tournament Possibly 1868

Toyohara Kunichika created this woodblock print, titled 'Popular Pillars of the Spring Sumo Tournament.' The Ukiyo-e tradition of woodblock prints demanded a sophisticated process. The artist would create the composition, and specialized artisans would carve the woodblocks and apply the colors. Each color required its own block, meticulously aligned to build up the final image. The character of the wood itself, its grain and density, would have subtly influenced the print's appearance. Sumo was a hugely popular subject for Ukiyo-e artists like Kunichika. These prints were not just aesthetic objects, but also a form of early sports memorabilia, connecting fans to their favorite wrestlers and the spectacle of the tournament. Consider the labor involved, from the artist’s design to the carver's skill and the printer's careful work, all contributing to a cultural object deeply embedded in the social life of its time.