KAWARAMACHI, Japan (AP) — In a quiet corner of Kawaramachi, time appears to stand still. Inside a humble studio, a circle of women works meticulously, one stitch at a time, on small, vibrant balls that embody centuries of tradition. These are no ordinary creations, but Sanuki Kagari Temari, a craft passed down for over a thousand years on the island of Shikoku.

At the center of this circle is Eiko Araki, a master of the ancient art. Each “temari,” or hand-stitched ball, features colorful geometric designs that bear poetic names such as “firefly flowers” and “layered stars.” The craft requires immense patience—some balls take weeks, even months, to complete. Prices vary, with certain pieces selling for hundreds of dollars, though more affordable options exist as well.

Despite their playful appearance, these kaleidoscopic balls are far from toys. They are heirlooms, often cherished as symbols of health and prosperity, much like treasured artworks in Western homes.

Crafting Temari with Natural Materials

Temari has its roots in a region ideal for cotton growing, and the balls continue to be made from this simple, natural material. In Araki’s studio, which doubles as the headquarters for the craft’s preservation society, rows of cotton thread in 140 different hues—from soft pastels to vibrant, bold colors—await their turn to be used. These threads are dyed by hand using plants, flowers, and other organic sources, including cochineal, a cactus-dwelling insect that produces a striking red hue.

The deeper indigo tones are achieved through repeated dyeing, while a mix of yellow and blue results in exquisite shades of green. Even soy juice is added to enrich the colors, a touch of organic protein contributing to the craft’s unique palette.

The Complex Process of Temari Creation

The making of temari begins with forming the ball itself, which involves wrapping rice husks, cooked and dried, in layers of thread until a sphere takes shape. Once the ball is ready, the embroidery begins—a painstaking process where each stitch must be pushed with great precision. Temari are surprisingly firm, and the needlework must follow strict guidelines, with lines that help shape the final intricate patterns.

Each ball has guide threads, some that encircle it like an equator, and others that zigzag from top to bottom, creating a symmetrical framework for the design.

A Craft for the Modern Age

In recent years, temari has experienced a resurgence, appealing to both Japanese artisans and foreign admirers alike. Notable figures like Caroline Kennedy, former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, have even taken up lessons in the craft. Yoshie Nakamura, a curator of Japanese handmade art at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, highlights temari’s intricate beauty, stating, “Temari that might have been everyday in a faraway era is now being used for interior decoration.”

Araki herself has introduced modern innovations, crafting temari designs that blend tradition with contemporary aesthetics. Among her new creations are Christmas tree ornaments and miniature temari charms that sell for about 1,500 yen ($10) each. She has also developed pastel-hued temari clusters, held together by magnets, that can be filled with fragrant herbs, serving as aromatic diffusers.

A Tradition Worth Preserving

The art of temari is not easily mastered. Araki, who began as a metalwork artist, learned the craft from her husband’s parents, who were themselves masters. They worked tirelessly to revive temari at a time when it was on the verge of disappearing. Araki recalls their stern mentorship, “They were stoic people, rarely bestowing praise, always scolding me.” This tough-love approach is typical in traditional Japanese arts, where devotion and discipline are paramount.

Today, only a few dozen artisans, all women, continue to make temari to traditional standards. Araki acknowledges the challenge of passing on the craft to future generations: “The most challenging aspect is nurturing successors. It typically takes over 10 years to train them, so you need people who are willing to continue the craft for a very long time.”

However, she remains hopeful, believing that once people find joy in the demanding process of temari-making, they are more likely to persevere. “When people start to feel joy along with the hardship that comes with making temari, they tend to keep going,” Araki said.

In a world moving ever faster, the ancient art of Sanuki Kagari Temari endures, a testament to the patience, skill, and dedication of those who continue to stitch its legacy, one thread at a time.