Kintarō Subduing a Raptor with a Large Axe, 1820s

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Kintarō is a hero from Japanese folklore; a child of superhuman strength that was raised by a mountain hag on Mount Ashigara. He became friendly with the animals of the mountain, and eventually became a loyal follower of Minamoto Yorimitsu (948-1021). On Boy's Day a Kintarō doll is being put up so that boys will become equally brave and strong.

Two original versions exist, each with a poem by a different poet. The first version, illustrated in the surimono catalogue by Richard Kruml from 1989, bears a poem by Takasagotei Matsunari 高砂亭松成. The second version, which is this impression and the one in the New York Public Library, has a poem by Kaseitei Shironari 花盛亭白成. The second version was reprinted in the Meiji period. The reprint lacks the drum emblem of the Taiko-gawa poetry group in the upper left corner. It is illustrated in Carpenter (ed.), Reading Surimono, no. 290, who provides the following translation of the poem:
The hands of wind / firmly grasp the scent / of the plum at the peak of bloom, / seizing hold of spring, precious / as a thousand gold pieces. (Saki-michishi / ume no nioi o / kaze no te ni / tsukami-dori suru / senkin no haru).

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Details
Title
Kintarō Subduing a Raptor with a Large Axe
Artist Life
fl. c.1800s-1820s
Role
Artist
Accession Number
P.75.51.127
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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