Art Institute of Chicago

Wrestler

Japan

Date

5th–6th century

Medium

Earthenware

Culture

Japan

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

This wrestler or rikishi is wearing a simple headband and a wrestler’s harness. He stands solidly on two feet, with a hand on his hip and the other raised to show his strength. His chest is particularly barrel-shaped, harking back to the simple tube-shaped haniwa, from which more elaborate forms developed. The right foot is a recent restoration. Other haniwa in the form of wrestlers exist. Though the precise role of wrestling in this period is unclear, it is mentioned in the first written record in Japan, from the eighth century, in relation to shrine rituals or as part of celebrations to honor foreign guests.

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