Vintage Japanese Tougatta Folk Toy by Sato Mashiro

Dimensions: 4-1/2”h x 3-1/2” dia.

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

This is a delightful “Game of Chance” from Kanagawa. Included are (4) four balls inside, each of different color. The toy picks one colored ball randomly, and all with a simple mechanism when the top of the toy is extended. When the main portion of the body is brought back to its resting position the ball appears. The objective is to collect as many of one color ball by the end of the game. The piece is a beautifully formed toy with the Tougatta family painted decoration of varied circular banding in green, red, purple, and black with a chrysanthemum flower on two-sided of the container which is hollowed out and with a shaft attached to the base to give function to the upper portion of the toy. This vintage toy was originally sold at the Aone Spa, Miyagi.

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: Toys and Tops of many shapes and materials have been found throughout Japan and are 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 an everyday toy is symbolic of housebound children in winter and on holidays. Besides games, toys have historically been used for gambling and prophecy.