Ukiyo-e Educational Catalog · Record 108898

Sumö Match Held in the Presence of The Emperor and Empress at Yayoi Shrine

Artist / 作者: Utagawa Kuniaki歌川国明
Date / 年代: 1885
Medium / 技法: 浮世絵 / Ukiyo-e / Meiji / honolulu
Digital record / 画像記録: 481 × 331 px
Source collection / 所蔵元: Honolulu Museum of Art
Published by / 公開者: 朱雀ハル
Rights / 権利: No reusable image license documented
Attribution / 表記: Honolulu Museum of Art

Catalog note / 解説

This print depicts an important sumö match held by the Meiji emperor in 1885, and attended by many aristocrats and statesmen. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), sumö became a political issue. During the early Meiji period, Japan wanted to catch up with the West and become a world leader. The ruling parties of Japan feared that sumö wrestlers with their loincloths and topknots conveyed an uncivilized image of Japan. However, many Japanese questioned wholesale Westernization and remained loyal to their cultural traditions. The Meiji emperor’s sponsorship of the match depicted in this print helped re-establish the status of sumö. (from Oh Sumo! exhibition 5/7/07-)

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