Wrestlers & Wrestling in Japan by W. K. Burton with a Historical and Descriptive Account by J. Inouye
[Japan] An elusive work and the first illustrated book in English on sumo wrestling. William Kinninmond (sometimes Kinnimond) Burton (1856-99) lived in Japan from 1887 and his contribution to helping Westerners understand more about Japanese culture deserves more recognition. The photos were taken by Burton in his own garden with Kajima Seibei and we can see one photo shows Burton in the background with a camera. The decorative front cover and colour woodblock print are impressive but the photos are stunning, especially those of the 16th yokozuna Nishinoumi (1855-1908) and the final plate showing Burton standing next to Ozutsu (aka Taiho (1869-1918), who would become an ozeki in 1899 and the 18th yokozuna in 1901). Sadly Burton would die just 4 years after this book was published at the young age of 43. Inouye's description of sumo is detailed, informative, and still accurate today.
Tokyo. K. Ogawa. ND [1895]
[4], iii, 1 colour woodblock print, 18pp, 12 collotype plates. 38.4 x 28.4cm.
In very good condition. The covers have been professionally restored as the paper used for the covers seems to have been susceptible to becoming brittle due to some kind of chemical reaction (this was the case with the only other copy we have had in the past). The upper and lower spine coverings along with the silk string ties have also been replaced. Internally very good with only a hint of wear and a few remnants of old newspaper cuttings that appear to have been affixed to the last blank page. b35091467
