Title : Sumö Match at Eköin Temple

Artist : Utagawa Hiroshige

Date : c. 1847 - 1852

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Source : Honolulu Museum of Art
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Description : Eköin Temple is where kanjin sumö started in 1781. This type of sumö was held as a means of raising money for such charitable purposes as repairing shrines or providing temples with bells. Hiroshige uses Western perspective in this image, which places the exciting match in the center. The startling number of people in the audience indicates the popularity of sumö at the time. (from Oh Sumo! exhibition 5/7/07-) ALT TEXT Even today, Sumo is regarded by most Japanese as something more than just a sport. At the time Hiroshige made this print, the special nature of sumo was even more strongly felt. High-protein diets and training led to sumotori towering over their countrymen. By exaggerating the perspective in this print, Hiroshige makes this sumo match appear to be between giants. The astonishing number of people crowding into this temporary arena demonstrates the popularity of sumo, but also the generosity of the people of Edo. The print illustrates a kanjin sumo match, where the proceeds went to charity. (2008)

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