Unsigned Japan, early 19th century, Edo period (1615-1868)
Carved from cherry wood and lightly stained depicting two wrestlers on their knees trying to grab each other by the belt with one hand, performing ottsuke (arm-clamp down), the other hand preventing the counterpart from reaching the belt. Both facial expressions are quite amusing. The underside further underlines their symmetrical movement, showing four chubby legs divided by a central himotoshi.
HEIGHT 5.2 cm
Condition: Excellent condition. Provenance: The Gabor Wilhelm Collection.