Grand Champion (Yokozuna) Taniemon Hitachiyama

early 20th century

Not on view

Taniemon Hitachiyama (1874–1922) became a grand champion (yokozuna) in 1903, toured the United States and Europe in 1907–8, and retired from wrestling in 1914. He is shown here in full ceremonial garb. Sumo wrestlers wear long elaborate ceremonial aprons (kesho mawashi) such as this one for the ring-entering ceremony (dohyo iri} that precedes wrestling matches. The ropelike belt (yokozuna) and the folded paper streamers (gohei) worn at the waist bear strong associations with the Japanese Shinto religion.

Artwork Details

Object Information

Overview

Provenance

Title: Grand Champion (Yokozuna) Taniemon Hitachiyama
Date: early 20th century
Culture: Japan
Medium: Photograph
Dimensions: 16 x 10 1/4 in. (40.6 x 26 cm)
Classification: Photographs
Credit Line: Gift of T. Hitachiyama, 1908
Object Number: 08.25.5
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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