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Brightly Embroidered Temari Balls Are a Kaleidoscope of Geometric Design

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari Twins

A form of ancient Japanese folk art, temari balls are brightly colored pieces of needlework covered with elaborate patterns. In the Edo period, aristocratic women created temari balls using pieces of silk from spare kimonos in a challenge toward perfection. To a wider public, they became a sensation several years ago after a 92-year-old grandmother's temari collection went viral.

Even after hundreds of years, these painstakingly patterned balls, which are now typically created using embroidery thread, continue to captivate. Interestingly, they were originally crafted as toys for young girls—people often still put bells inside to hear the pleasing jingle. Over the course of many centuries, temari—which translates from Japanese to “hand ball”—elevated from colorful toy to folk art object.

Given the time-consuming nature of the craft, it's no wonder temari balls have also become a symbol of a cherished friendship and good fortune. The brilliant colors are purposeful, symbolizing a wish of happiness for the recipient. And while traditionally it took a 40-year apprenticeship to become a master of temari, these days a resurgence in needlework means ever more practitioners.

Just where do the intricate patterns come from? It all begins with a pattern pinned to the inner core. At that point, the process becomes a bit more complex. While the balls may seem light and playful, an eye for geometric design and symmetry is key to obtaining a pleasing result.

We celebrate this artwork and all its complex beauty by looking at brilliant kaleidoscopes of geometric patterns on temari balls.

Be prepared to be inspired by these intricate examples of temari balls covered in geometric patterns.

Temari ball with geometric pattern

Image via SelkeyMoonbeam

Temari ball with geometric pattern

Image via NanaAkua.

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari World

The temari balls' brightly colored threads are a symbolic wish for happiness in the recipient's life.

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari Twins

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari Twins

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari Twins

This form of needlework has become increasingly popular, with international practitioners from Russia to the United States.

Temari balls with geometric patterns

Image via Judy Tepley

Temari balls with geometric patterns

Image via Judy Tepley

Temari ball with geometric pattern

Image via Judy Tepley

Artists have gotten exceedingly creative with the colors and shapes they craft.

Temari ball with geometric design

Image via Temari World

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari World

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari World

Some swirling geometric patterns are reminiscent of forms found in nature.

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari Twins

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari World

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari Twins

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Temari Twins

Certain examples have an architectural quality to the final result, creating an optical illusion of other 3-D shapes.

Temari ball with geometric design

Image via Temari World

Temari ball with geometric design

Image via Temari World

It's important to note that color choice can make all the difference in the geometric design.

Temari balls with geometric patterns

Image via Judy Tepley

These three balls are the same pattern, but with different color palettes.

Temari balls with geometric patterns japanese needlework

Image via Judy Tepley

Temari balls may be a 1,400-year-old craft, but they're still growing in popularity!

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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