Shimada Station at Oi River, from the series Fifty-three Parallels for the Tokaido

This design by Kunisada for the collaborative series Fifty-three Parallels for the Tokaido depicts Shimada, located on the bank of the Oi River. Daimyo processions in Edo, the seat of the Tokugawa Shogun, provided a major spectacle during this period. The river crossing at Shimada was considered the most dangerous point along the Tokaido Road, especially with the heavy supplies and regalia that accompanied the daimyo and their retinues. Kunisada’s design depicts Koyanagi Tsunekichi, one of the greatest sumo wrestlers in Japan’s history, who achieved the prestigious title of grand champion in 1828. Many sumo champions were employed as retainers by the feudal lords, bringing added fame and prestige to both daimyo and wrestler. Wrestlers received a generous stipend as well as the coveted samurai status. Koyanagi is shown in all his glory, reclining atop a raft carried by river porters. Smaller figures in the middle ground are shown struggling with a horse weighed down by large parcels. The bare-chested wrestler smokes a pipe, holding the accoutrements of a wealthy merchant or high-ranking samurai such as a tobacco case and pouch and double swords. The ribs of the white fan in the upper register are printed in raised texture. The poem on the fan speaks of hovering over the waves like river mist, a sentiment that clearly mocks the anguished porters.