Kuniteru II Utagawa, Sumo Wrestlers as the Seven Lucky Gods
Artist: Kuniteru II Utagawa (1830-1874)
Title: Sumo Wrestlers as the Seven Lucky Gods
Publisher: Daikokuya Heikichi
Date: 1847-1852
Size: (L) 25.6 x 36.6, (C) 25.2 x 36.8, (R) 25.4 x 36.7 cm
絵師：二代目歌川国輝（にだいめうたがわくにてる）
題名：見立七福神
年代：弘化末ー嘉永期
Original Japanese woodblock print.
The Seven Lucky Gods (Shichifukujin) have independent origins in Buddhism, Taoism and Shinto, and have been an important part of Japanese culture since the 15th century (Muromachi era). Although most of these characters have a courtly or scholarly appearance, they were popularised by farmers, merchants and artisans. Consequently, their treasures are practical things like rice, fish and cash, rather than gold or jewels.
Sumo wrestlers were among the most popular celebrities of the day alongside kabuki actors and woodblock prints depicting the subject were collectibles and highly desired by fans. This triptych plays on the theme of the Lucky Gods, replacing the gods with wrestlers in a comical manner.
Kuniteru (Kunitsuna) II Utagawa
A pupil of Kunisada, Kuniteru II depicted the manners and sights of the late Tokugawa and early Meiji ages, particularly the early industrial scenes.
| Print Format | Triptych |
|---|---|
| Artist | Kuniteru (Kunitsuna) II Utagawa |
| Subject | Sumo Wrestlers |
| Dimensions | (L) 25.6 x 36.6, (C) 25.2 x 36.8, (R) 25.4 x 36.7 cm |
| Condition Report | Restored small wormholes. |
