Temari (toy)

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Temari balls are a folk art form that originated in China and was introduced to Japan five or six hundred years ago. Historically, they were constructed from the remnants of old kimonos. Pieces of silk fabric would be wadded up to form a ball, and then the wad would be wrapped with strips of fabric. As time passed, traditional Temari balls became an art, with the functional stitching becoming more decorative and detailed, until the balls displayed very intricate embroidery. With the introduction of rubber to Japan, the balls went from play toys to art objects, although loving mothers will still make them for their children. Temari balls became an art and craft of the Japanese upper class and aristocracy, and noble women competed in creating increasingly beautiful and intricate objects.

Temari represent a highly valued and cherished gift, symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty. Also, the brilliant colors and threads used are symbolic of wishing the recipient a brilliant and happy life. Traditionally, becoming a craftsman in Japan was a tedious process. To become a Temari artist in Japan today requires specific training, and one must be tested on one's skills and technique before being acknowledged as a crafter of Temari.

Traditionally, temari were often given to children from their parents on New Year's Day. Inside the tightly wrapped layers of each ball, the mother would have placed a small piece of paper with a goodwill wish for her child. The child would never be told what wish his or her mother had made while making the ball.

Alternately, some balls contained "noisemakers" consisting of rice grains or bells, to add to the play value. It is said that traditional temari were wrapped so tightly they would actually bounce.

Temari balls are also known as "gotenmari."