- Source:
- NanaAkua/Flickr
Related Article
-
Drunk Japanese Salaryman Attempts to Ride Home by Clinging to Doors of Last Train
-
Create Over A Million Original Face Illustrations with Cre8tiveAI’s Deep Learning Tool “Sai”
-
USB Silent Automatic Traditional Japanese Uchiwa Fan Is Actually Pretty Practical
-
Japanese Plastic Food Displays Look So Delicious
-
Japan’s popular Tokyo Banana teams up with Pokémon for new “fluffy” Eevee flavor
-
Sea turtles adorably demand shell scrubbing from pleasantly overwhelmed staff
Temari balls are a folk art form that was introduced to Japan from China sometime around 7th century A.D.
Having mastered the art of this centuries-old craft, freelance graphic designer and illustrator NanaAkua has created hundreds of temari balls that have achieved worldwide acclaim for their intricate beauty.
Source: Flickr
Source: Flickr
Believe it or not, NanaAkua is currently 94 years old, and started making temari at around the age of 60. Most of her creations were made when she was in her 70s and 80s.
Her creations are absolutely beautiful, and they make us want to start an entire collection!
Source: Flickr
Source: Flickr
Source: Flickr
Temari, meaning “hand ball” in Japanese, were used as toys in the past and were often constructed from the remnants of old kimonos. Now, they are enjoyed as decorative objects, commonly having detailed, intricate embroidery stitched on them for aesthetic appeal.
Source: Flickr
Source: Flickr
Source: Flickr
Source: Flickr
Source: Flickr
They are said to symbolize deep friendship and loyalty, and when offered as gifts, the brilliant colors and threads used are symbolic of wishing the recipient a brilliant and happy life.
Though unfortunately NanaAkua’s beautiful temari balls aren’t for sale, you can try your hand at temari and revel in your own masterpiece!