Preliminary identification
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Overview
This is a beautifully rendered Japanese hanging scroll (kakemono) depicting the legendary folk hero Momotaro (the Peach Boy) clad in samurai armor alongside his loyal monkey companion. Painted on silk with mineral pigments and ink, the scene captures the young hero resting near a rocky shore with Onigashima (Ogre Island) visible in the misty distance.
Story
Born from a giant peach found floating down a river, Momotaro became Japan's ultimate symbol of courage. This scroll captures him mid-journey to Ogre Island, accompanied by his loyal animal retainers. It served as an inspiring household display, particularly for Boys' Day celebrations.
Maker / Origin
While the wooden box bears a signature and red artist seals (reading 'Kazan' or 'Shanshan' variants), many such scrolls were produced by skilled academy-trained painters of the Nihonga school. These artists blended traditional Japanese techniques with subtle Western realism, catering to a rising middle class in early 20th-century Japan.
Condition & Value
The painting itself appears to be in good condition with vibrant colors and minimal creasing. The mounting shows light age-related wear and minor toning, which is typical and expected for a scroll of this age. The presence of the original wooden box has helped preserve it from light and dust damage.
Full Research
Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.
Build on this identification
Layer in sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance.
Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.
Best Venue
Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.
Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.
Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.
Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.
Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.
Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.