Daimon Kinoshita - 横綱旭富士土俵入り (Yokozuna Asahifuji Seiya Ring-Entering Ceremony)

A fabulous woodblock print by Daimon Kinoshita: 横綱旭富士土俵入り (Yokozuna Asahifuji Seiya Ring-Entering Ceremony). The 63rd Yokozuna, Asahifuji Seiya 旭富士正也 (1960-), is shown in powerful stance during his dohyō-iri (土俵入り) ring-entrance ceremony. The bright blue ground beautifully frames Asahifuji, emphasising the drama of the Yokozuna’s presence in the ring. 🎌💪

• Year & Edition: 1985 onward · Published by 京都版画院 (Kyoto Hanga-In). Carved by 木島重男 (Kishima Shigeo). Printed by 伊藤達也 (Ito Tatsuya). 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: Asahifuji, promoted to Yokozuna in 1990, was known for his migi-yotsu (右四つ) grip and winning techniques such as yorikiri (寄り切り) and uwatedashinage (上手出し投げ). His career culminated in a yokozuna championship in 1991, and he later became head of the Isegahama stable, continuing his legacy within the world of sumo. Daimon Kinoshita comments on his website (www.daimon-e.sakura.ne.jp): 「第６３代横綱。」(63rd Yokozuna).

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]