Traditional Japanese Feast with Sumo Wrestler, Japan, Meiji era (1868-1912)

Wrestlers – Sumo Banquet Scene, Meiji Era

Details

• Museum-grade fine art reproduction from a hand-colored photograph from the Meiji period (1868–1912), Japan

• Depicts a sumo wrestler (rikishi) at the center of a traditional dining scene

• Rich in cultural detail: tatami mats, lacquerware, kimono, and servant roles

• Ideal for collectors of Japanese history, sumo culture, and vintage photographic art

About the Artwork

Step into a rare and intimate moment of Meiji-era Japanese life with this extraordinary hand-colored photograph, taken in the late 19th century. Titled simply Wrestlers, this scene features a sumo rikishi at the center of a traditional tatami room, surrounded by attendants and fellow guests in quiet conversation and service. The seated sumo wrestler—likely resting after a match—is flanked by women and men in formal kimono and yukata, their attentive postures capturing the elegance and hierarchy of hospitality during this time.

The setting is both humble and dignified: low red lacquer trays, delicately arranged dishes, and neutral tatami flooring convey an atmosphere of ceremonial refinement. A standing servant, posed at the edge of the gathering, suggests readiness and respect. The expressions and body language of the figures reflect a moment of shared rest and ritual, emblematic of Japan’s deep cultural regard for seasonal meals, hierarchy, and ceremony.

Meticulously hand-colored with soft pastels and earth tones, this photograph brings warmth and personality to an otherwise documentary image. The colorization process, typical of high-end Meiji-era studio prints, enhances the expressive power of the subjects without overwhelming their natural dignity.