A Nineteenth Century Temari: Decorative Gift Ball for a Child

late nineteenth century
diameter: 2 3/4", 7 cm

Temari, literally “hand ball,” are gifts made for children. Temari were originally made from left over yarn or string, both cotton and silk floss were used for the external decoration.

A ball was created from wound threads.  Sometimes a written wish for the child was placed at the center of the ball, or other times some rice grains or a bell were the center of the ball, placed there to create a rattling or jingling noise to amuse the child.

This is a good sized and elaborately wound and decorated old temari--and old temari are very difficult to find these days.  

This one is made from a core of wound cotton yarn and shows a beautifully colored design that is mirrored on both sided. As can be seen from the first photo here, there is some red cotton yarn missing so the wound cotton that gives body to the ball can be seen.

It appears that the dyes used on this temari are botanically derived.

There a tassel on the ball, a very nice detail. 

This is a marvelous old temari, something hard to find--and very collectible.

Very recommended.