Gumbai Uchiwa Stereo Viewer

Japan, 1950s

Metal stereoscope with a sumo wrestling theme and decorative motif. Included are six gelatin silver stereoscopic photographs of champion sumo wrestlers. The viewer is embossed with traditional gumbai uchiwa (war fans), ceremonial fans used by sumo referees (gyoji), who officiate matches while dressed in traditional Shinto attire. During a bout, the gyoji uses the gumbai to signal decisions and direct the match (seen in one of the views).

Primary Material: Metal
Media Format: Card
Light Source: Natural light
Focus: Fixed
Interocular: Fixed