Arakuma of the East Side — Utagawa Kunisada, c. 1847

Arakuma of the East Side is a commanding nineteenth-century sumo portrait by Utagawa Kunisada. The wrestler stands full-length against a restrained background, his powerful physique surrounded by dramatically layered garments. Bold stripes, yellow-and-black checks, rich green accents, Japanese inscriptions, and traditional cartouches give the composition exceptional graphic presence.

Created around 1847, the print belongs to Kunisada’s Sumō han'ei tamari iri no zu, or Great Sumo Wrestlers Waiting for Their Match, series. Precise woodblock linework defines Arakuma’s expression, body, hair, and elaborate textiles, while the spacious vertical format emphasizes his imposing stature and celebrates the visual culture surrounding professional sumo in Edo-period Japan.

Artwork Details

• Artist: Utagawa Kunisada (1786–1864)
• Title: The Wrestler Arakuma of the East Side
• Original title: Higashi no kata Arakuma
• Series: Sumō han'ei tamari iri no zu (Great Sumo Wrestlers Waiting for Their Match)
• Date: c. 1847
• Period: Edo period
• Place of Origin: Japan
• Medium: Color woodcut; vertical ōban nishiki-e

Framed Print Details

• Fine art printing: Professional 12-color fine art printing technology produces vivid, accurate colors with strong tonal depth and significantly greater nuance than standard 4-color inkjet printing.
• Paper: Smooth premium matte paper with a clean, glare-free finish.
• Paper weight: 200 gsm (80 lb).
• Paper thickness: 0.26 mm (10.3 mils).
• Frame material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame dimensions: Approximately 20 mm (0.79 in) deep and 10–14 mm (0.4–0.6 in) wide.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the print while keeping the framed artwork lightweight.
• Ready to hang: A hanging kit is included, allowing the framed print to be mounted directly on the wall.
• Available sizes: Offered in a range of sizes to suit different spaces.
• Materials: Printed using FSC-certified paper and wood where available.
• Production: Each framed print is produced to order through a trusted international network of professional print studios.
• Shipping: Worldwide shipping is available.
• Made to order: There is no minimum order quantity. Each piece is printed and assembled on demand, reducing unnecessary stock and waste.

Exact frame dimensions, component availability, and production specifications may vary slightly depending on the selected size and destination.