Sumotori or Wrestlers
Photograph
Sumotori or Wrestlers
From the album Photographic Views and Costumes of Japan
ca. 1868
Albumen silver print with applied color
16.6 x 25.3 cm.
Purchase
1979.0059.0014
Inscriptions (applied label, printed, opposite page):
SUMOTORI OR WRESTLERS.
2.
THE adversaries, having been announced, step into the ring from East and West. They stamp their feet and slap their huge thighs in imitation of the God of strength. The umpire holding his fan of office and dressed in full dress, watches them as they crouch opposite to one another: as soon as he sees them draw breath together he gives the signal for them to spring. Then the two giants close and holding one another in an iron grip try every throw in turn. Of these there are forty eight; and it is the duty of the umpire to see that no other trick is used. The excitement of the spectators knows no bounds. They loudly back the Eastern or Western Champion, and when, at last, the victory has declared itself, they will yell with delight, stripping off some article of clothing, and throwing it into the Ring--to be redeemed afterwards in money. None of these pledges are redeemed more liberally than those which have been thrown in by the ladies, who are the special patronesses of the wrestling and the Ring.
SUMOTORI OR WRESTLERS.
2.
THE adversaries, having been announced, step into the ring from East and West. They stamp their feet and slap their huge thighs in imitation of the God of strength. The umpire holding his fan of office and dressed in full dress, watches them as they crouch opposite to one another: as soon as he sees them draw breath together he gives the signal for them to spring. Then the two giants close and holding one another in an iron grip try every throw in turn. Of these there are forty eight; and it is the duty of the umpire to see that no other trick is used. The excitement of the spectators knows no bounds. They loudly back the Eastern or Western Champion, and when, at last, the victory has declared itself, they will yell with delight, stripping off some article of clothing, and throwing it into the Ring--to be redeemed afterwards in money. None of these pledges are redeemed more liberally than those which have been thrown in by the ladies, who are the special patronesses of the wrestling and the Ring.
