Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Sumo-e, Ukiyo-e prints of Sumo Wrestler

A powerful Ukiyo-e print of a sumo wrestler in a red and gold kimono by the master Utagawa Kunisada II captures the vibrant spirit of the Edo period, offering a timeless piece for your private collection.

Explore Utagawa Kunisada II's stunning ukiyo-e prints! Featuring actors, beauties & scenes from Japanese literature. Discover his legacy in Edo period art.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists. (Buy Print Buy PrintBuy Image Buy Image)

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, ArtsDot.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (17 August). No compromise on quality.

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 263

reproduction

Sumo-e, Ukiyo-e prints of Sumo Wrestler

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 263

Quick Facts

  • Location: Saitama Prefectural Museum of History
  • Subject or theme: Sumo wrestler in red and gold kimono
  • Artist: Utagawa Kunisada II
  • Artistic style: Ukiyo-e
  • Title: Sumo-e, Ukiyo-e prints of Sumo Wrestler

Artwork Description

The Spirit of the Ring: A Masterpiece of Edo Tradition

In the delicate dance of lines and vibrant pigments that define the Ukiyo-e tradition, few subjects capture the raw power and cultural ritual of Japan quite like the Sumo wrestler. This exquisite print, attributed to the legendary master Utagawa Kunisada II, serves as a breathtaking window into the Edo and Meiji periods. The artwork presents a formidable figure, draped in a magnificent red and gold kimono that seems to shimmer with the weight of history. Every stroke of the artist's hand contributes to a sense of profound presence, as the wrestler stands poised, hands clasped in a gesture that bridges the gap between athletic prowess and spiritual devotion. To behold this piece is to feel the pulse of old Tokyo, where the boundaries between the theatrical, the martial, and the divine were beautifully blurred.

The technical brilliance of Kunisada II shines through in the meticulous application of color and the rhythmic flow of the composition. As a prominent figure of the Utagawa school, the artist utilized the woodblock printing technique to achieve a striking contrast between the bold, saturated reds and the opulent gold accents. The intricate Japanese calligraphy woven into the garment adds a layer of narrative depth, inviting the viewer to decode the symbols of status and strength embedded within the fabric. This is not merely a portrait of an athlete; it is a masterclass in yakusha-e style influence, where the dramatic tension of the subject is heightened by the sharp, decisive contours that characterize the finest Japanese prints of the nineteenth century.

A Timeless Elegance for the Modern Collector

For the discerning art collector or interior designer, this reproduction offers more than just visual beauty; it provides a profound sense of cultural heritage and atmospheric depth. The subject matter—rooted in the legendary strength of Sumo—carries an emotional weight of discipline, honor, and resilience. When placed within a contemporary setting, the print acts as a sophisticated focal point, its warm tones and classical motifs providing a striking counterpoint to minimalist or modern decor. It is a piece that invites conversation, sparking curiosity about the storied past of the Saitama Prefectural Museum of History and Folklore, where such treasures are preserved.

Integrating this work into a curated space allows for an infusion of Zen-like tranquility mixed with dramatic flair. Whether used to anchor a gallery wall or as a singular statement piece in a study, the print’s rich textures and historical resonance make it an invaluable acquisition. It serves as a bridge between eras, bringing the soul of the Edo period into the heart of the modern home. For those seeking to surround themselves with art that possesses both narrative complexity and aesthetic splendor, this depiction of a Sumo wrestler stands as an enduring testament to the timeless allure of Japanese Ukiyo-e.


Artist Biography

**early life and training**

utagawa kunisada ii, also known as toyokuni iv, was a renowned japanese ukiyo-e print designer born in edo, japan in 1823. he was a pupil of utagawa kunisada i and signed much of his early work under the name kunimasa iii. around 1850-51, he adopted the name kunisada ii, marking his inheritance of the utagawa school.

**artistic style and notable works**

kunisada ii's prints include over 40 series, mostly featuring actors (yakusha-e), as well as portraits of beauties, illustrations of scenes from literature, erotica, and other subjects. one of his most celebrated works is the tale of the eight dog heroes (hakkendun inu no sōshi no uchi), dating from 1852, drawn from kyokutei bakin's epic novel, the satomi clan and the eight dogs (nansō satomi hakkenden).

**legacy and later life**

kunisada ii headed the utagawa school and worked in the style of his master, but never achieved the same level of success. his popularity waned in the meiji period (1868–1912), and he appears to have stopped making prints after 1874. he died on july 20, 1880, and was buried at banshōin kōunji. his buddhist posthumous name is sankōin hōkokujutei shinji.

**notable mentions in ArtsDot.com**

**key points in kunisada ii's life**

**further reading on ArtsDot.com**

utagawa kunisada ii

utagawa kunisada ii

1823 - 1880 , Japan

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Ukiyo-e (yakusha-e)
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Utagawa School']
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Utagawa Kunisada I']
  • Date Of Birth: 1823
  • Date Of Death: 1880
  • Full Name: Utagawa Kunisada II
  • Nationality: Japanese
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Hakkendun Inu no Sōshi no Uchi
    • The Osaka actor Kataoka Gado as An no Heibei
  • Place Of Birth: Tokyo, Japan
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.