Who painted Tanikaze Kajinosuke?

Tanikaze Kajinosuke was painted by Katsukawa Shunshō in 1784.

Where can I see Tanikaze Kajinosuke?

Tanikaze Kajinosuke is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Tanikaze Kajinosuke?

Tanikaze Kajinosuke is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Tanikaze Kajinosuke

Katsukawa Shunshō , 1784

Tanikaze Kajinosuke is a print by the Romanticist artist Katsukawa Shunshō. It dates from 1784 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This ukiyo-e print by Katsukawa Shunshō depicts Tanikaze Kajinosuke, a renowned sumo wrestler from northern Japan, in a casual, everyday setting.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Tanikaze Kajinosuke, is portrayed not in a wrestling context but in a serene, observational scenario, highlighting his public stature beyond the ring. Onlookers in the background subtly underscore his fame.

Technique & Style

Executed in the ukiyo-e tradition, the print showcases Shunshō's characteristic attention to detail in capturing traditional Japanese attire and the subtle dynamics of everyday interaction.

History & Provenance

Created during the late Edo period, the print's exact date is not specified, though it would have been produced during Shunshō's active career (c. 1760s-1790s), given the subject's lifespan (1750-1795).

Context

Reflecting the popularity of sumo wrestlers as subjects in ukiyo-e, this print taps into the contemporary fascination with these athletes as cultural icons, embodying strength and discipline.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this individual print are not provided, it contributes to the broader legacy of ukiyo-e in capturing ephemeral aspects of Edo-period culture, including the idolization of sumo figures.