



Temari: A Round Symbol of Good Fortune
Temari, a traditional Japanese handcrafted thread ball, symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
From the act of meticulously wrapping long threads, it symbolizes longevity and lasting happiness, while its round shape conveys wishes for family harmony and smooth, favorable outcomes in life.
The patterns on a temari also contains the wishes of parents who wish for the happiness of their children
In the past, temari were also given to daughters as they married, carrying the family’s wishes for their future joy and success.
Temari traces its origins to kemari, a ball game introduced from China.
In the Heian period, kemari became a refined pastime among the nobility.
(Even today, at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Shimogamo Shrine, the ceremonial “Kemari Hajime” is held at the beginning of the year, where visitors can witness this elegant tradition.)
By the Edo period, goten-mari, intricately embroidered decorative balls, became a popular craft among the women of noble households, including those serving the shogunate.
Over time, temari evolved into toys for children.
Today, temari are admired as decorative art pieces.
Made by wrapping colorful threads around a core to create intricate patterns, temari has become a cherished traditional craft.
Beautiful temari are crafted in various styles across Japan.
This teabowl combines the charm of temari with the beauty of Japan’s rich seasonal flora, showcasing motifs of plum blossoms, bamboo, cherry blossoms, irises, bellflowers, and chrysanthemums.
It represents Japanese tradition and the essence of the changing seasons, making it an auspicious item that carries wishes for enduring happiness.