Kintarō Kite

Kintarō (金太郎) (aka “Golden Boy”) is a hugely popular Japanese folk hero. Though his origins are lost in the mists of time, he may actually be based on a historical figure from the Heian Period (794 to 1185 CE). Raised by a mountain witch (yama-uba) deep in the wilderness, he apparently peaked as a toddler. Young Kintarō was tireless, fearless, and so strong that he could crush rock and uproot trees with his bare hands. His only friends were the animals of the forest, and his only possession, his ono (axe). Kintarō remains an important figure in modern Japan, where he appears as a character in kabuki drama, innumerable video games, in anime, and in films — notably as the giant baby Boh in Miyazaki’s 2001 animated classic Spirited Away.

Polychrome woodblock print, on a bamboo frame with original cotton string.

18” x 12”