A Gift That Delivers Your Heart“Kurashiki Temari”

Captivating with its gentle colors and rustic texture
　

　

Kurashiki temari balls feature soft tones derived from natural materials and patterns that are not overly precise, giving them a comforting appearance. Their gentle colors and rustic texture make them a perfect fit for modern living.

A “Kurashiki temari” ball so lovely it naturally brings a smile to your face when held in your hand

Our original “Kurashiki temari” balls for celebrating special occasions feature three auspicious patterns passed down from ancient times, thoughtfully selected as wonderful gifts for any occasion.

Each ball comes with a stand carved from a single piece of wood, making it easy to display as a special gift.
We can also add a family crest, name, and date of birth.

Whether for yourself or as a gift for a birth, wedding, or other celebration, these stylish, thoughtful gifts are a little different from the rest and are sure to be appreciated for a wide range of occasions, including housewarmings and celebrations of longevity such as 60th and 70th birthdays.

Please choose one as a gift for someone special.

　　

　
　

Hare to Kurasu’s “Kurashiki Temari”

Hare to Kurasu’s original “Kurashiki temari” balls
combine auspicious patterns passed down from ancient times
and are offered as wonderful gifts for any occasion.

　
　

【Pattern: Kikkou—Tortoiseshell—】

　　

　

The “kikkou” (tortoiseshell) pattern is one of Japan’s traditional patterns, featuring a continuous hexagonal designinspired by the shape of a turtle’s shell. As its name suggests, it is derived from the turtle and has long been cherished as asymbol of longevity and prosperity.

Among temari patterns, “kikkou” is one of the most delicate and beautiful, with hexagons formed by carefully guided threads. Its orderly shape and overall sense of rhythm bring a feeling of calm to all who see it.
　

　

　

1. A Symbol of Longevity and Good Fortune

As its name suggests, “kikkou” is apattern modeled after the hexagonal shape of a turtle’s shell. Since ancient times, the turtle has been considered asymbol of longevity and health, as reflected in the saying “A crane lives a thousand years, and a turtle lives ten thousand.” This pattern embodies the wish that you may “remain healthy and live happily for a long time.”

2. A Shape Representing Stability and Prosperity

The geometric pattern of regularly arranged hexagons forms acontinuous, unbroken shape, symbolizing “prosperity,” “family fortune,” and “family peace.”

It also draws inspiration from the turtle’s strong, shatter-resistant shell, serving as a“protective” symbol, like an amulet.

3. A Pattern of Elegance and Refinement

The kikkou pattern is a distinguished design that has been used in clothing and architectural decoration since the Heian period and is known for itselegant and refined impression.

　

＜Recommended Occasions＞
With wishes for longevity, prosperity, and protection from misfortune, these balls are recommended as gifts for seniors or for celebrating life milestones such as coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings, and 60th birthdays.
For celebrating a new baby, they are especially recommended for “baby-naming ceremonies” and shrine visits, which include wishes for longevity.
They are also suitable for housewarming gifts and other celebrations.

 

　　

　
　　

The Japanese Color “Indigo”

― A Color of Profound Serenity, Protection, and Sincerity ―

Indigo is a color of deep, quiet beauty born from Japan’s nature and way of life. Long known as “Japan Blue,” it has been cherished as one of Japan’s proud traditional colors.

Indigo and Sacredness ― Its Role in Shinto Rituals and Folklore

Indigo dyeing was believed torepel insects, prevent decay, and ward off evil, and was traditionally used for infants’ clothing, samurai garments, and cloths worn by travelers. Indigo was also chosen as a color that “purifies impurities,” creating aclean attire for approaching the presence of the kami.
　

Natural Antibacterial and Insect-Repellent Properties

Indigo leaves are said to haveantibacterial and insect-repellent properties, and people in the past frequently used indigo-dyed cloth for infants’ undergarments and workwear. Its natural sense of safety and ability to maintain cleanliness continue to be valued today.

Its Meaning as a Warding Color

Indigo was also long believed toward off evil. Indigo-dyed cloth has been used for shrines and amulets, and the color has taken root in daily life as a “protective color” that wards off harm.

 As a Cloth for Shinto Rituals and Prayers

Indigo dyeing has also been used in Shinto rituals as acloth imbued with the life of nature. It has been used for cloths offered at shrines and for the attire of shrine maidens, and indigo has long been considered a sacred color symbolizingpurification, renewal, and cleansing.

 

The Meaning and Message of Indigo

🔵 Sincerity, Trust, and Deep Contemplation
🔵 Serenity, Peace, and the Beauty of Open Space
🔵 Protection, Warding Off Evil, and Purification
🔵 Mature Beauty and Inner Strength

Indigo is not merely a color; its true charm lies in the
“depth achieved by dyeing repeatedly.”
It is the color of life itself, much like howpeople grow deeper through experience.

 

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The Spirit of Indigo in Temari

　

Indigo temari balls embody
quiet strength, composed beauty, and deep prayers that clear the mind.

A gift that looks back on life’s milestones while quietly facing forward.
A tribute to those who have walked with sincerity.
And a wish for little babies: “May you be protected and grow strong and beautiful.”

Indigo temari balls arepalm-sized treasures that have imbued the power to envelop and protect people’s hearts across generations.

Beyond their beauty, indigo has lived among people throughout history. Each piece has its own unique expression, with the subtle variations and depth that can only be achieved by hand, evoking a sense of gentleness and warmth as if nature itself had been imbued into the cloth.

Past and present, it is a gift that gently protects our hearts and bodies.

　

　

　　

　

Important Notes About Kurashiki Temari

　　　

Kurashiki temari balls are each carefully handcrafted. There may be slight differences in the texture of the materials, the way the threads are wound, and the appearance of the patterns, and each ball has its own unique character. We hope you will enjoy them with an understanding of the following points.
●As each ball is handcrafted, there may be slight variations in color, pattern, and shape.　
●When natural materials or plant-dyed threads are used, the color may change over time. Please enjoy this as part of its unique character.　
●They are delicate and may be damaged by strong force, impact, or water, so please handle them with care.
●Storing them in direct sunlight for extended periods may cause the colors to fade. Please enjoy them in a place away from direct sunlight.　Temari balls are charming for the warmth of their handcraftsmanship and the character found in their small differences. We hope you will gently appreciate the unique appearance of each “temari.”

　

　

　

　

Folk Art Nurtured in Kurashiki, a Cultural City

　

Kurashiki temari balls were born from an admiration for Higo temari, a traditional craft of Kumamoto. Higo temari are colorful, elaborate balls featuring intricate geometric patterns created with colorful threads. Inspired by their beauty, the creators elevated them into a rustic, gentle expression suited to the land of Kurashiki.

The quiet presence and rustic, warm texture are the charms of Kurashiki temari.

Kurashiki is known as a “City of Beauty,” dotted with museums and craft galleries. This cultural foundation has supported the handcraftsmanship of Kurashiki temari, allowing it to be nurtured slowly and carefully over time.
　

　

Each One Carefully Handcrafted
Exquisite “Kurashiki Temari”　

　

Kurashiki temari balls are each carefully handcrafted.　　
　

　

　

　
First, traditional rice husks are used for the core. This is wrapped in paper and shaped into a sphere. To stabilize the core, it is wound with multiple layers of thread, giving it roundness and elasticity.


To achieve the “Kurashiki temari” style, we use cotton threads that we dye ourselves.