The art of Japanese threaded balls is called Temari. This one was made by Paula Ward who lives here in Jefferson. Because of her, I realize that this is a labor intensive art.
My oldest friend Leslie (we met age five), introduced me to these fabulous creations, during my first adult sojourn to New York City. *Immediately after my husband I moved to the East Coast, my dear friend flew out to initiate me and give me the lay of the land (as she had attended Parsons School of Design). So, the first time I ever saw these fabulous Temari Balls, was when they were pointed out to me during this adventure, at the incredible Japanese boutique department store called Takashimaya. After googling for a link, I realized has closed. What a pity!
When I was a child our neighbors 'The Hewitt's' brought back this little dollfrom Japan for me as a gift, and I still adore her. Look, do you see? She is holding a Temari Ball!
Here is a bit of the history. Temari balls are an folk art form that originated in China and were introduced to Japan five or six hundred years ago. The balls were originally made by mothers and grandmothers for the children to play with (they were used in kickball and handball games similar to the hackeysack games played around the world today).
Historically they were constructed from the remnants of old kimonos. Pieces of silk fabric would be wadded up to form a ball, then the wad wrapped with strips of fabric. The silk threads would have been removed and saved and, used to first wind around the ball, then to stitch the ball firmly together (it is said that the balls were wrapped and stitched so tightly that they actually did bounce).
As time moved on traditional Temari balls became an art, with the functional stitching more and more decorative and detailed, until the balls displayed very intricate embroidery. The balls transcended from play toys into art objects (although loving moms will still make them for their children) with the introduction of rubber to Japan.
Temari balls became an art and craft of the Japanese upper class and aristocracy and noble women competed in creating more and more beautiful and intricate objects. They now represent a highly valued and cherished gift symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty. It is traditional for a mother to make a ball for her daughter as a New Year's gift.
For more information, go to Temari Kai.
Have a great week!
xox
Constance
