Comment - The scene describes the mountain witch Yamauba (山姥) and her adopted young son, the wild or "Golden Boy" Kintaro (金太郎). The boy makes a face at his mother, sticking his tongue out at her. The beauty frowns back at him as he looks up from a scroll or letter, unhappy with his behavior. Behind them, an Edo kite is inscribed "Bear." The kite bears a hummer on top (kite musical instrument). A kite line is wound on the handle of an ax, a symbol of Kintaro.

The print includes faint embossing on the pink lining of Yamauba's kimono sleeve.


Series -


Artist - see Biography


Signature - Utamaro-hitsu (歌麿筆)


Publisher - Tsuruya Kinsuke (鶴屋金助) (Sôkakudô) by seal


Image Size - 39.2 x 26.3cm (15 1/2" x 10 3/8")


Condition - single panel; nishiki-e (cloured woodblock); Vertical ôban (ôban tate-e);