Pattern Dreams

An Outer Space Memory, 1977, Maria Prymachenko

#ArtsyFartsyFriday

Today we want to celebrate the beauty that is endpapers. Take a moment to appreciate the often overlooked part of a book. 

Velvet fragments with Medici arms, 1440–1500 Florence or Venice Silk, metal thread

The Ancient Art of Temari

Temari (手まり?) balls are a folk art form that originated in China and was introduced to Japan around the 7th century AD.  Historically, temari were hand ball toys constructed from the remnants of old kimonos.  Temari were given to children from their parents on New Year’s Day.  Inside the tightly wrapped layers of each ball, the mother would have placed a small piece of paper with a goodwill wish for her child.  The child would never be told what wish their mother had made while making the ball.

Although mothers still made temari for their children, as time passed, traditional temari became an art, with the functional stitching becoming more decorative and detailed, until the balls displayed intricate embroidery.  Temari became an art and craft of the Japanese upper class and aristocracy, and noble women competed in creating increasingly beautiful and intricate objects.

Temari are still highly valued and cherished gifts, symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty.  The brilliant colors and threads used are symbolic of wishing the recipient a brilliant and happy life.