Sumo Yokozuna Ceremonial Rope Display: Unryu & Shiranui Styles (Red & White Pair) - Shōwa period (1926-1989)

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【Product details】

A Showa period decorative set representing the ceremonial ropes worn by Yokozuna during the grand ring-entering ritual in sumo. This pair features both traditional styles: the Unryu style in white and the Shiranui style in red, arranged as an auspicious red-and-white display.

The white rope represents the Unryu style, distinguished by a single looped knot. This style is associated with being balanced in both attack and defence, and it is the style chosen by many Yokozuna throughout history.

The red rope represents the Shiranui style, characterised by its two loops. Traditionally regarded as a more attack-oriented style, it has been used by notable Yokozuna such as Hakuho and Harumafuji, giving it a strong and powerful modern image.

While real Yokozuna ropes are always pure white, made from bleached hemp, this set uses red and white to enhance its celebratory and auspicious meaning. Both ropes include zigzag paper streamers known as shide, symbolising sacredness and purity in the same way as the shimenawa ropes used at Shinto shrines. They are displayed on black lacquered stands shaped like sanbo trays, which are traditionally used for offerings in ritual ceremonies.

This type of ornament was likely created as a gift for sumo fans, for celebrations of promotion, or as a display wishing for strength and healthy growth for boys during seasonal festivals.

There are signs of ageing, including scuffs, small losses to the lacquer, fading, discolouration, tears, and creases to the paper elements. Some nails show rust. Please refer to the photos for details.

Dimensions of Red Rope: approx. H 29.5 cm W 24.2 cm D 28.2 cm
Dimensions of White Rope: approx. H 33.2 cm W 24.2 cm D 22.7 cm

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