A vintage Japanese toy figurine depicts Kintarō (金太郎), a beloved figure in Japanese folklore and children’s tales. Known as the "Golden Boy," Kintarō is a symbol of strength, bravery, and good fortune, making this figurine a culturally significant and nostalgic piece of Japanese craftsmanship. The doll is sculpted in a plump, round-bodied form, reflecting Kintarō’s robust and energetic character. Kintarō is traditionally depicted as a chubby child wearing only a bib (haragake), which in this figurine is made from beautifully patterned fabric with gold and red details.
He wears a blue tenugui headband, tied in a playful, rustic fashion, often associated with traditional Japanese laborers, sumo wrestlers, and folk heroes.His small black side ponytails are a classic representation of his youthful appearance. Kintarō is a legendary child hero from Japanese folklore, raised in the wild on Mount Ashigara by a mystical mountain woman (Yamauba). He grew up with incredible strength, befriending animals and wrestling bears, later becoming a famous samurai warrior under Minamoto no Yorimitsu. Kintarō is a symbol of strength and vitality, often associated with Boys' Day (Children’s Day, こどもの日, Kodomo no Hi) on May 5th, where his image is displayed to inspire young boys to be strong and courageous.
