Tegata and Shikishi Boards: The Art of the Sumo Handprint
- artsan
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
Among the most iconic uses of the shikishi board is the tegata (手形) — a sumo wrestler’s handprint, usually stamped in red ink and accompanied by a bold brush signature. These are not only autographs but also symbols of physical power, personal presence, and legacy. In sumo, they serve a dual role: honouring the wrestler’s rank and strength, and offering the recipient a deeply personal token.
One exceptional example of this practice is a tegata by the legendary Yokozuna Chiyonofuji Mitsugu (1955–2016).
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu: The Wolf’s Mark
The tegata of legendary Yokozuna Chiyonofuji Mitsugu (1955–2016) offers a remarkable example. Known as “The Wolf” for his piercing gaze and formidable technique, Chiyonofuji was one of sumo’s greatest champions. With 31 top division championships, he stood as a titan of the ring.. His fighting style was lean, efficient, and elegant — qualities that resonate visually in his handprint.
His tegata is striking: a vivid red handprint — large, textured, and deeply human — stamped boldly onto the board. Over it, his brushwork sweeps in confident black strokes. The kanji for “Chiyonofuji” appears abstracted yet fluid, written in a powerful calligraphic style that mirrors his presence in the dohyo (ring).
What makes this particular piece especially compelling is the sense of spontaneity and forceful expression it conveys. The red ink seems freshly pressed, almost as if the hand had just lifted. The brushstrokes slash through the print with raw intensity — not merely an autograph, but a performance captured in a single, unrepeatable moment. You can see the lines of the palm, the curve of each finger. The calligraphy lands like a finishing move.
The Tegata (手形) as Artistic Expression
Beyond their cultural function, tegata can be understood as powerful objects of artistic expression. Each one is unique. The position of the hand, the density of the ink, the angle and energy of the brushstrokes — these elements combine to form an image that captures not just identity, but mood and movement.
Unlike mass-produced memorabilia, each tegata is a singular object — a fusion of physicality, calligraphy, and cultural ritual. The red pigment stains the board with presence. The calligraphy reveals the wrestler’s temperament. And the aging of the shikishi — the faint foxing, the slight wear — speaks to the passage of time and the endurance of the moment it holds.
To view the tegata only as a signature is to miss its deeper resonance. It is a gesture made material — a highly personal and culturally encoded act that shares much with performance art, action painting, and calligraphic abstraction.
Shikishi autographs, especially from legends like Chiyonofuji, are coveted by collectors and sumo enthusiasts alike. But beyond preservation, what draws people to shikishi is their quiet dignity — the way they hold memory and presence.
Art San Gallery will continue to share reflections on the art of shikishi and its resonance. To receive future posts, we invite you to register bellow.
Further Reading on Chiyonofuji Mitsugu
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu – Wikipedia
A comprehensive biography covering his sumo career, achievements, and legacy.
Chiyonofuji Mitsugu – Sumo Wrestling Fandom
Detailed stats, rankings, and historical records in an enthusiast-driven sumo database.
Who Was Chiyonofuji Mitsugu – YouTube
An English-language video overview of his life and career.
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