Intricately Beautiful Temari Balls

Intricately Beautiful Temari Balls

Temari balls are a form of Chinese and Japanese folk art in which small balls are embroidered with stunning patterns for play or decoration. Temari in Japanese means "hand ball", and originally these balls were designed to be used in hand ball games by children. Temari balls are highly valued gifts that symbolize deep friendship and loyalty, and the bright colors are a symbolic wish to the recipient of a brilliant and happy life. These stunning Temari balls were crafted by the nimble hands of a 92 year-old grandmother in Japan. She learned the craft in her sixties, and since has created over 500 uniquely designed balls that were photographed by her granddaughter. These fantastically intricate and colorful balls are by no means easy to make, and our hat goes off to this skilled grandmother for her craftsmanship!