Temari balls aren’t for throwing or kicking around. They’re destined to be heirlooms, carrying prayers for health and goodness.

Japanese women are keeping the ancient art of temari alive, dedicating weeks or months to crafting intricately designed decorative balls.

Japanese women are keeping the tradition of temari decorative balls going, one stitch at a time. Often taking months to craft by hand, the temari become treasured heirlooms, filled with prayers for health and goodness.