

Antique Spinning Top
Vintage Japanese Sumo Wrestlers Spinning Top by Hiroi Masaaki
Hiroi, Masaaki
Age:1960s
Descriptive qualities& condition:
Dimensions: Base ring -1-7/8”h x 3-1/4” dia. (Sumo spinning tops 1-1/2” h)
This beautiful top (Koma) is hand-made of one piece of wood and made by a famous kiji-shi (woodworker) named Hiroi Masaaki from Tokyo Japan. The base is quite simple colored in green and red rings. The tops are abstract images of Sumo wrestlers and weight to balance producing an overall circular motion. The piece is signed on the bottom.
Condition: Excellent condition means that the piece has no cracks or repairs with fine and original details consistent with the 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 sought-after collectible highly valued artifacts.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Masaaki-san is a fourth-generation suburban Tokyo resident, and maker of hand-crafted children’s toys, which he creates with traditional Edo and wind-up techniques, (1603-1867). He studied under Master Hiori Kenjiro. Admired throughout Japan and around the world, his creations have been exhibited and acquired for the permanent collection of the Louvre. Hiroi died in 2019 and has been named an honorary citizen of Seattle, Washington.
... Read moreArtisan | Interactive Toymaker: Hiroi, Masaaki | 1935 - 2019
Origin:
Masaaki-san is a fourth-generation suburban Tokyo resident, and maker of hand-crafted children’s toys, which he creates with traditional Edo and wind-up techniques, (1603-1867). He studied under Master Hiori Kenjiro. Admired throughout Japan and around the world, his creations have been exhibited and acquired for the permanent collection of the Louvre. Hiroi died in 2019 and has been named an honorary citizen of Seattle, Washington.
Collector's note – descriptive qualities, standard characteristics & ornamentation styles:
The majority of his toys are action figures. Many are inspired by everyday citizens and folk stories. All are brightly painted and fashioned from wood. His is famous for his spinning tops of all sizes; all beautifully functioning as conceived.
Artist's comments:
“Cutting-edge technology is fun, but it’s a pity if children become absorbed only in those toys. There are traditional toys and traditional ways to play in Japan. One of them is the spinning top, (Koma). I am sad to see so many old toys become obsolete around the world. I want to make people who buy my toys laugh, and make toys that anyone, old and young, men and women can enjoy”. MH