Wednesday, June 02, 2021

I have cited Yosa Buson's haiku in the past. Alongside Issa and Basho, he is one of the three greats of the Edo period. He was also an artist who worked in ink and wash painting. The other day a sumo fan posted a Buson artwork featuring two sumo wrestlers. There is also a haiku rendered in calligraphy.

It seems to me that the picture captures the real core of a sumo bout, the sense of action and energy, speed and power that is characteristic of the sport. Top-knots, mawashi and technique are all apparent in this little sketch, together with the keen attention of the gyoji.

Unfortunately, I can't find a translation of the haiku, though I'm sure that one will turn up.



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