Mari Balls - Holiday 2022/2023
$45.00
Description:
A ball is the most ubiquitous and timeless toy, and this is especially true for the Japanese Mari Ball. These embroidered toys were once rolled around on the ground and tossed in the air by young children, but today they are symbols of friendship and loyalty, reflecting a treasured, but endangered craft as group of skilled, elderly craftswomen behind these unique objects slowly dwindle. Made in Okayama, the Mari Ball possesses intricate designs that require hours of hand threading traditional vegetable-dyed fibers. The final product reflects a desire for the recipient to have 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.
A ball is the most ubiquitous and timeless toy, and this is especially true for the Japanese Mari Ball. These embroidered toys were once rolled around on the ground and tossed in the air by young children, but today they are symbols of friendship and loyalty, reflecting a treasured, but endangered craft as group of skilled, elderly craftswomen behind these unique objects slowly dwindle. Made in Okayama, the Mari Ball possesses intricate designs that require hours of hand threading traditional vegetable-dyed fibers. The final product reflects a desire for the recipient to have 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.
Materials:
Cotton and rice chaff core
Variation:
Mari Balls come in a variety of patterns. The pattern you select will be the one you receive. Slight variations in size occur depending on the pattern. As handmade objects, each Mari Ball reflects the creativity and mastery of their creators.
Care Instructions:
Do not wash.
Cotton and rice chaff core
Variation:
Mari Balls come in a variety of patterns. The pattern you select will be the one you receive. Slight variations in size occur depending on the pattern. As handmade objects, each Mari Ball reflects the creativity and mastery of their creators.
Care Instructions:
Do not wash.
Seasonal items like holiday mari balls are FINAL