Vintage Japanese Spinning top | Snake Koma

Dimensions: 2-1/2”h x 2-1/4” dia 

Toys and Tops of many shapes and materials have been found throughout Japan and among the most ancient toys known.

Unusual forms such as this “snake” and beautiful variegated green color is what attract us to this particular Koma, a traditional Japanese game toy. The spinning top was a folk craft used as a toy, but also a traditional art perfected by the Japanese. This particular piece has three dimensional bands giving texture to the piece with a stem that completed the design representing a snakes head, eyes and open mouth. All artwork is hand-drawn. Unsigned but the craftsman is well known for this specific motif and type of spinning top and originally came from Narugo Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture..

Condition: Excellent condition means that the piece has no cracks or repairs with fine and original details consistent with age and standards of collectible Vintage Japanese Toys. For those who want to start or expand their collection, Japanese toys and tops continue to be a sought after collectible highly valued artifact.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Toys and Tops of many shapes and materials have been found throughout Japan and among the most ancient toys known. In Japan top playing was a boys’ game bound to specific events and seasons for which spinning tops were serious games, (fighting tops) and general spinning tops being being an everyday toy is symbolic of housebound children in winter and on holidays. Besides games, toys have historically been used for gambling and prophecy.