Difficulty: Summiteer (Level 3)
Women sit quietly as they painstakingly stitch patterns on balls the size of oranges. At the centre of the circle is Eiko Araki, a master of the traditional Japanese craft of Sanuki kagari temari.
Temari, making handheld balls from embroidery, was historically practised all over Japan. But in Kagawa prefecture, formerly Sanuki province, this special brand of the craft has been passed down for over 1,000 years. It is set apart by the use of gentle threads made from the region’s high-quality cotton.
Balls take weeks, often even months, to finish. Each ball is a work of art. They have colourful patterns with names like “firefly flowers” and “layered stars”.
But these balls are not for throwing around. They are destined to be heirlooms and charms for health and fortune.
Answer: To be heirlooms and charms for good health and fortune.
