Signed lithograph by Tadaaki Hatta (19 x 24): The Epic Match of Gilgamesh

From Gilgamesh, an epic poem from ancient Mesopotamia (circa 2100 BC), it is often regarded as the earliest surviving great work of literature. The print shows the wrestling match between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

Tadaaki Hatta is not only an accomplished artist but also a world class freestyle wrestling coach and retired wrestler. Born in Peking (Beijing), China (occupied by Japan) and raised in Tokyo, Japan, his father, Ichiro Hatta was the founder of wrestling in Japan.

Hatta, Sr. came to the United States to promote Judo when he was a college student in 1929. He traveled through the USA with his teammates, demonstrating Judo to our nation. After the demonstrations, there were free-for- all-fights between Japanese Judo men and American wrestlers. He got whipped by the American wrestlers. Ever since then, he decided to study wrestling. The famed freestyle wrestler was the National High School Champion in Japan in 1961. In 1961 he traveled from Tokyo to Stillwater, Oklahoma to wrestle and study at Oklahoma State University. After finishing his Bachelor of Arts, Tadaaki earned a Masters in Fine Arts from Northwestern University.

USA Wrestling Coach of the Year - 2008
Northwestern University Assistant Coach 1968-72
US Olympic Men's Freestyle Wrestling Coach 1988, 1992, 1996
US Olympic Women's Freestyle Wrestling Coach 2004, 2008
Japan Olympic Freestyle Wrestling Coach 1968, 1984
Mexican Olympic Freestyle Head Coach 1972
NCAA Champion - 1966