Daimon Kinoshita - 横綱柏戸土俵入り (Yokozuna Kashiwado Tsuyoshi Ring-Entering Ceremony)

A tremendous woodblock print by Daimon Kinoshita: 横綱柏戸土俵入り (Yokozuna Kashiwado Tsuyoshi Ring-Entering Ceremony). The 47th Yokozuna is shown in a low, deliberate stance, his powerful frame encircled by the heavy white tsuna (綱) rope, adorned with zigzagging shide (紙垂) streamers. Kinoshita captures Kashiwado’s imposing presence within the dohyō. 💪🎌

• Year & Edition: 1985 onward · Published by 京都版画院 (Kyoto Hanga-In). Carved by 遠藤 (Endo). Printed by 清水 (Shimizu). 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: Kashiwado Tsuyoshi (柏戸剛, 1938-1996) rose to prominence as a fan favourite and fierce rival of Taiho Koki (大鵬幸喜), together forming one of sumo’s most celebrated eras of competition. Known for his mastery of migi-yotsu, yorikiri, and tsukidashi kimarite, Kashiwado’s strength and skill secured his place as the 47th Yokozuna. Retiring in 1969, he later established the Kagamiyama stable, continuing his legacy as mentor and elder. Daimon Kinoshita comments on his website (www.daimon-e.sakura.ne.jp): 「第４７代横綱。」(47th 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]