![kintaro-top](https://lalouver.com/guides/fujita2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kintaro-top.jpg)
![kintaro-top](https://lalouver.com/guides/fujita2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kintaro-top.jpg)
Title
Uncanny (Kintaro)
Medium
spray paint, paint markers, Mean Streak, 12k white gold and 24k gold leaf on wood panels
Dimensions
2 panels, overall: 48 x 32 in. (121.9 x 81.3 cm)
Year
2013
Private collection, London
The main figure in this work references "Golden Boy," or Kintaro in Japanese. According to Japanese folklore, Kintaro is a fictional character who is the direct offspring of a human and a she-devil, and therefore embodies both the physical and spiritual realm. She-devils Oni were often portrayed with gleaming red complexions, characterizing their close association with the devil. As a result Kintaro is always depicted with red skin, but in human form.
A very popular symbol in rural Japan, Kintaro is widely considered a champion/protector of the common folk, slaying demons and evil beings that could endanger their posterity. In this rendering, Fujita chose to feature Kintaro defeating a demon by attacking it with beans. This act of bean-throwing is a Japanese ritual performed at the beginning of the Lunar Year to ward off evil and to bring good luck.
![kintaro-bottom](https://lalouver.com/guides/fujita2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kintaro-bottom.jpg)
![kintaro-bottom](https://lalouver.com/guides/fujita2015/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/kintaro-bottom.jpg)
Kintaro's traditional garb is adorned with Raiders logos, though the mascot has been reworked with a samurai mask and swords. You'll notice that Kintaro's cheeks are streaked with eye black, often seen on football players and other athletes.
The title Uncanny relates to Kintaro's superhuman nature.