🎎 Antique Japanese Metal Spinning Top – Showa Era Toy – Japan Antique Roadshow
🎎 This weathered metal spinning top 独楽 (koma) from Japan is a rugged, nostalgic remnant of traditional childhood play—likely dating to the mid-Showa 昭和 period (1926–1989). Once brightly painted in red, yellow, and green, the colors now survive only as faint traces across its rusted surface. The top's form, weight, and wear suggest it was well-used—possibly a cherished toy in the hands of a spirited young boy.
Measuring approximately 4.5 cm across and 2.5 cm tall, and weighing about 40 grams, the top features a solid conical axis worn down from countless spins across wooden floors or dirt paths. The body shows heavy patina, surface oxidation, dents, and a notable chip along one edge—likely from a forceful strike against a hard surface. The top also bears remnants of faded Japanese writing, possibly a child's name, now illegible with time.
Despite its modest size, this top is rich with narrative: a small artifact from a postwar generation that made joy from simplicity. This piece is a classic example of mingei 民芸—Japan’s folk craft movement that treasures the handmade, the humble, and the enduring.
Welcome to the Japan Antique Roadshow channel. My name is Kurt Bell and I am delighted that you have taken some time to share a little of Japan with me. I'm available on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and via email (email address listed below) if you have questions or just want to chat and say hi. I look forward to meeting you online. Have a great day!
Curated by Kurt Bell in Shizuoka City, this antique top is a vivid reminder of Japan’s past—imbued with motion, memory, and a child's spirited play.
Embark with Kurt, an American journeyman born in 1964, as he delves into Japan's rich mosaic of art, tradition, and spirituality. His book Going Alone is a personal reflection on his life’s journey and the philosophy he’s developed along the way—offering insight into solitude, courage, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. 🌄📚🎎
➡️ https://a.co/d/6SORY8N Get your copy of Going Alone at this link (the hardcover edition is recommended) 🤠🏜️☀️
🌐 Website: https://goingalone.org
📧 Email: dinnerbytheriver@gmail.com
🌀 Discord: https://discord.gg/srfDtMN5jA
👍 Support my endeavors on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/softypapa
Be safe... But not too safe
#KurtBell #GoingAlone #TheGoodLife #StoicExplorer #Koma #独楽 #VintageToy #Mingei #FolkCraft #JapaneseAntique #ShowaEra #SpinningTop #RusticJapan #WabiSabi #JapanAntiqueRoadshow #Softypapa
Quality Guarantee & Returns
- Quality is guaranteed. If there is a print error or visible quality issue, we'll replace or refund it.
- Because the products are made to order, we do not accept general returns or sizing-related returns.
