The Living Geometryof Sanuki Temari

Temari, Japan’s embroidered thread balls, began as toys for princesses and became cherished handmade playthings in every homes. In Kagawa, once called Sanuki and known for fine cotton, the craft took on a distinct style using plant‑dyed cotton in soft hues of indigo, madder, walnut, and loquat.

Each temari starts with a rice‑husk core wrapped in paper and wound into a perfect sphere. It’s then divided like a globe using jiwari (地割) guide lines, and patterns are stitched gently so the cotton doesn’t overlap or fray. Complicated jiwari can produce incredibly intricate designs, all based on geometry and precision.

Chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, starbursts, the motifs vary endlessly, all guided by the belief that cotton must be treated with care to reveal its natural sheen.

The craft nearly vanished in the Meiji era, but was revived in the 1960s by folk‑craft researcher Kazuo Araki (荒木計雄), who restored its techniques and founded the Sanuki Kagari Temari Preservation Association with his wife Yaeko (八重子).

Today, over 100 artisans in Takamatsu carry the tradition forward, creating both classic designs and modern pieces like fragrance‑filled temari, charms, and wedding gifts.