Kintarō is a hero of Japanese folklore and a popular character in noh and kabuki theatre. The herculean strength of this golden boy and his great courage are attributes that connect him to the Tango no Sekku, or Children's Day celebrations. This depiction of the hero shows him riding on a bear, in reference to Kintarō's childhood in the woods and his relationship with the animals. The decorative work done on the vest stands out in particular for its meticulously ornate traditional Japanese embroidery. 11 3/4" in height.
