Yoshitoshi: Drawing of Sumo wrestler and Companion being Harassed (Sold)

Artist: Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
Title: Sumo wrestler and Companion being Harassed
Date: ca. 1875

Preparatory drawing in sumi with red under-drawing and pentimenti (corrections) for an unpublished design, most likely intended for the series Postal News (Yubin hochi shinbun). We see a sumo wrestler with an unusual expression striding forward, large hand holding his robes high. Next to him is an official-looking young man in layered robes who holds a document in his left hand and a fan in his right hand. To the left is a young man who seems to be harassing them, thrusting his fan into the wrestler’s face while his companion stifles a mocking laugh. The man with a fan was initially drawn with a hat, so perhaps he was at first going to be a policeman. In the middle distance we see a policeman who seems to be reprimanding the harassers. In the distance we see a crowd watching the scene with interest. One can easily surmise that the subject must be a sumo scandal, and perhaps the proud young man is heading either to court or escorting the wrestler to a new dojo.

Condition: Excellent condition. Mounted on to backing paper for protection.
Dimensions: 32.8 x 24.4 cm

SKU: DRW478