3-021-358 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Sketches from Japan: wrestling at Osaka, 1868. Engraving of a sketch by '...our Correspondent in Japan, Mr. C. Wirgman, showing '...an enormous mat shed, filled with people. In the centre is a raised mound of earth, forming a platform under a canopy. There is a bucket of water'...a wooden ladle, and a little basket of salt. The contending performers begin the operation by going to the bucket of water, and rinsing their mouths; then they take a pinch of salt, and rub it under their arms and on their chests to purify themselves. After these ceremonies, they advance and squat down opposite each other...They then put themselves into the positions assumed by frogs...and stretch their muscles to the utmost; after which they pretend to wrestle...Perhaps one of them manifests a great predilection for one of the posts, and pulls at it...After a great deal of this work, they begin really to wrestle, and he who throws the other outside the ring is proclaimed victor. The people then go mad and throw money wrapped up in paper to the hero of the encounter. This is an occasion for excitement...the finale consists in whole corps coming in, naked to the waist, but wearing magnificent aprons and clapping their hands three times as they stand in a circle".' From "Illustrated London News", 1868.