Living TORTOISE-yellow paper | Mari Balls – Holiday 2023

Description:
The Mari Ball, A Timeless And Cherished Toy, Holds A Special Place In Japanese Culture. Once The Delight Of Young Children, These Embroidered Balls Are Now Symbols Of Friendship And Loyalty As Ornaments For The Home, Representing A Treasured But Endangered Craft. Crafted In Okayama, Each Mari Ball Boasts Intricate Designs Achieved Through Hours Of Hand Threading Traditional Vegetable-Dyed Fibers. As The Group Of Skilled Elderly Craftswomen Behind These Unique Objects Slowly Diminishes, Every Mari Ball Produced Reflects A Heartfelt Wish For The Recipient To Lead A Brilliantly Happy Life.

Measurements:
3” Diameter Sphere
6” Looped Thread For Hanging

History:
Mari Means ‘Ball’ In Japanese. These Traditional Folk Objects Were First Created In 17Th Century Ad Primarily For The Japanese Upper Class And Aristocracy. Today, There Are Only A Few Craftspeople That Continue To Make Mari Balls Using Traditional Techniques, Threatening This Ancient Craft. Our Mari Balls Are Made In Okayama, Japan By A Small Group Of Women, All In Their 60S-80S. They Strive To Carry On This Traditional Craft, Imparting It To The Next Generation.