Daimon Kinoshita - 横綱大乃国土俵入り (Yokozuna Onokuni Ring-Entering Ceremony)

A fabulous woodblock print by Daimon Kinoshita: 横綱大乃国土俵入り (Yokozuna Onokuni Ring-Entering Ceremony). The 62nd Yokozuna, Onokuni Yasushi (大乃国康, b.1962), is shown in the powerful stance of his dohyō-iri (土俵入り). His massive frame looms forward, the weight of his body accentuated by the broad tsuna rope and fluttering shide paper streamers. 💪🏯 

• Year & Edition: 1985 onward · Published by 京都版画院 (Kyoto Hanga-In). Carved by 木島重男 (Kishima Shigeo). Printed by 栃木義郎 (Tochigi Yoshiro). 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: Onokuni, born in Memuro, Hokkaido, debuted in March 1978 and rose steadily to become the 62nd Yokozuna. He was known for a defensive style, often countering with powerful uwatenage (上手投げ, overarm throws). Retiring in 1991, Onokuni remains a beloved figure both for his sumo and for his later career as a baker, even appearing on television. Daimon Kinoshita comments on his website (www.daimon-e.sakura.ne.jp):「第６２代横綱。」(62nd 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]