Introducing Sumo Prints (Sumo Wrestler Painting)

Sumo, which appears in Japanese mythology and ancient records both as a sacred ritual and a competition, became a popular form of entertainment for commoners during the Edo period, and was depicted in ukiyo-e as "sumo prints."

Sumo prints can be categorized into three main types: portraits of popular wrestlers depicted in large scale, illustrations of matches on the sumo ring, and sumo ranking boards depicting the hierarchy of wrestlers and referees.

Portraits

Toyokuni III, "Kagami-iwa from Western Side Entering the Ring" circa 1847

三代豊国「相撲繁栄溜り入りの図 西方鏡岩」

For sumo fans of the time, portraits likely functioned as a type of collectible photo. It’s possible that sumo enthusiasts displayed portraits of wrestlers in their homes or collected them. In this respect, it’s not much different from modern times. However, these portraits also serve as valuable historical records, providing a glimpse into the popular wrestlers of the day, the lineup of rankings, and the appearance of the sumo ring and audience in an era with few surviving photographic materials.

The image above depicts a wrestler entering the ring, entering a "tami" (a waiting area before the match). Based on the clue "Western side, Kagami-iwa," this wrestler is likely "Kagami-Iwa Hamanosuke." Kagami-Iwa, born in 1769, was active from November 1801 until 1815. His highest rank was "Komusubi," the fourth rank in the sumo hierarchy (Yokozuna, Ozeki, Sekiwake, Komusubi, Maegashira). The true reason behind the depiction of Kagami-Iwa after his retirement remains a mystery, but it's believed that the story of his victory over the strongest wrestler of the time, Raiden Tameemon, continued to be passed down. This story may have made him a suitable subject for ukiyo-e even over 30 years after his retirement, around 1847.

When compared to the image below, it’s clear that this is indeed Kagami-Iwa.

Kagami-Iwa Hamanosuke (born 1769)

The first-generation Kunisada illustrates the scene where Kagami-Iwa Hamanosuke (on the left) is depicted in a match against Samuri Sogo.

Image: Kagami-Iwa Hamanosuke (Born 1769)
Source: Wikimedia Commons, File: Kagami-Iwa Hamanosuke (Born 1769)
License: Public Domain

Note: This image is for reference only and is not included in our store.

 

Sumo Match Illustration

Kuniaki II, "Great Sumo Match Illustration"

二代国明「大相撲取組之図」

"Sumo match illustrations" (torikumi-e) depict actual matches between sumo wrestlers on the ring. In the above illustration, "Kenoyama Taniemon" from the East side and "Odatatsu Hizaemon" from the West side are shown engaging in a match. Both wrestlers are competing as Ozeki, the second-highest rank in sumo.

There are no records of a match between Kenoyama and Odatatsu, so the exact time and location of their bout are unknown. However, this image may serve as the only known visual evidence of their rivalry.

 

Ranking Board

Unknown Artist, "Records of Things Unseen"

不詳「有様で無ひ物之評判記」

"Ranking boards" (banzuke) list the rankings of sumo wrestlers and referees in an organized manner sorted by "east" and "west". These were originally published for each major sumo event and distributed to the audience and stakeholders, or sold as souvenirs.

What Does "East" and "West" Mean?

Sumo wrestlers are divided into East and West sides, known as "East wrestlers" and "West wrestlers." If they share the same rank, East wrestlers are considered slightly superior.

In the early days, the East and West divisions were likely determined by the wrestler's birthplace, with the dividing line drawn in the Omi region, what is now known as Shiga Prefecture.

In the illustration above (Kuniaki II "Great Sumo Match Illustration"), from the perspective of the two people seated at the very back, Odatatsu (West side) is seen on the left, and Kenoyama (East side) is seen on the right.

There is a phrase in Japanese that says "Ten-shi nanmen", which means "A ruler should face south while sitting." In the context of sumo, the emperor would face south with their backs to the north, and wrestlers were divided between the East and West accordingly.

 

Sumo prints are not merely entertainment images; they hold historical significance as documents recording sumo culture, the appearance and attire of wrestlers, their rituals, and the sumo ring’s layout.

See more example of work through which you can experience the world of sumo prints here.

- J