Daimon Kinoshita - 高見山土俵入り (Takamiyama Ring-Entering Ceremony)

A fabulous woodblock print by Daimon Kinoshita: 高見山土俵入り (Takamiyama Ring-Entering Ceremony). Takamiyama Daigorō (高見山大五郎) is shown performing the dohyō-iri, his immense frame adorned with a vivid red kesho-mawashi and heavy white tsuna (綱) rope with hanging shide (紙垂). Kinoshita presents with stern expression and powerful stance that gives the image the full force of a modern sumo nishiki-e. 🏯💪

• Year & Edition: c.1990s · Published by 京都版画院 (Kyoto Hanga-In). Carved by 松田寅葳 (Matsuda Torazo). Printed by 伊藤智郎 (Ito Tomoro). Margin inscriptions include “不許按製” (rights), 財団法人 日本相撲協会 (Japan Sumo Association), and copyright seals, with Kinoshita’s “Daimon” and edition seals below.
  
• Medium: Woodblock.
• Dimensions: Sheet W: 27.00 cm × H: 41.00 cm.
• Condition: Wonderfully stored; strong, beautiful colours, paper crisp & intact.
• Notes: Takamiyama Daigorō (高見山大五郎) (1944-2023), born Jesse Kuhaulua in Hawai‘i, was a major figure in modern sumo history. He became the first foreign-born wrestler to win a top-division yūshō, claiming the championship in 1972, and rose to the rank of Sekiwake. Exceptionally popular in Japan, Takamiyama helped broaden the sport’s international profile and paved the way for later overseas rikishi such as Konishiki, Akebono, and Musashimaru. After retirement, he remained active in sumo as coach of Azumazeki-beya (東関部屋).

About the Artist

Born in Hokkaidō in 1946, Daimon Kinoshita is Japan’s foremost contemporary artist of sumo nishiki-e (錦絵). Since 1985 he has worked closely with the Japan Sumo Association, using authentic Edo-period ukiyo-e techniques and the traditional hanmoto system of artist, carver, and printer. His woodblock prints bring Yokozuna, Ōzeki, and rikishi to life in bold ceremonial portraits, often depicting the dohyō-iri (土俵入り) ring-entrance with mica (kirazuri) details that echo Edo traditions. Sold at the Kokugikan arena and presented to visiting dignitaries, Kinoshita’s works combine beauty, craft, and cultural significance, keeping the art of nishiki-e alive in the modern age. [ ← View All Works by Daimon Kinoshita]