Kiyochika: Sweating Sumo (Sold)

Artist: Kobayashi Kiyochika
Title: Sweating Sumo
Series: Kiyochika Punch (Kiyochika ponchi)
Date: Ca. 1881

A large sumo wrestler goes to grapple with his opponent, only his tiny, skinny opponent has ducked beneath his legs, arms out for a hold as well. We see one referee asleep, and the other smiling. This is undoubtedly a political satire, but the subjects are lost to time. This series marked a watershed in Kiyochika’s career, when he shifted from portraying landscapes to comic and historical prints. This series was modeled on the English Punch, and eleven works are known from the series.

Condition: Very good impression, color and condition. .
Dimensions: ôban triptych
Publisher: Kobayashi Tetsujirô
Signature: Kobayashi Kiyochika

SKU: KYC333