"Kurashiki Temari": A Gift from the Heart
Charming for its gentle colors and simple textures

Kurashiki Temari, with its soft tones that make the most of natural materials and patterns that are not too precise but somehow comforting, are appealing for their gentle colors and simple textures, blending well with modern lifestyles.

Place a "Kurashiki Temari" in your palm and a smile naturally appears—such is its loveliness.

The original "Kurashiki Temari" from Hare to Kurasu was created as a wonderful gift for various occasions, featuring three auspicious patterns passed down from ancient times.

It comes with a wooden base carved from a single piece of wood, making it easy to display as a special gift.
Furthermore, we can engrave "Hanakamon" (flower crest), a name, and a date of birth.

It's not just for personal use or celebratory events like baby showers and wedding gifts, but also for a wide range of occasions such as housewarmings, or celebrations for longevity and health like 60th and 70th birthdays. It will surely be appreciated as a stylish and heartfelt gift that stands out from the rest.

Please choose it as a gift for someone special.
　

Hare to Kurasu's "Kurashiki Temari"

Hare to Kurasu's original "Kurashiki Temari" is
a combination of auspicious patterns passed down from ancient times,
offered as a wonderful gift for various occasions.

[Pattern: Kikko - Tortoise Shell]

The "Kikko (tortoise shell) pattern" is one of Japan's traditional motifs, a continuous hexagonal pattern inspired by the shape of a tortoise's shell. As its name suggests, derived from the "tortoise," it has been cherished since ancient times as a symbol of longevity and prosperity.
　

1. Symbol of Longevity and Good Fortune

"Kikko," as its name suggests, is a pattern modeled after the hexagonal shape of a tortoise's shell. Tortoises have long been considered a symbol of longevity and health, as encapsulated in the saying, "Cranes live for a thousand years, tortoises for ten thousand." This pattern carries the wish, "May you live long and happily with good health."

2. Symbol of Stability and Prosperity

The geometric pattern of regularly arranged hexagons represents an uninterrupted continuation, also signifying "prosperity," "family fortune," and "family safety."

Moreover, likened to the strong and unbreakable tortoise shell, it also carries the meaning of "protection" as a charm.

3. A Pattern of Status and Elegance

The Kikko pattern is an ancient design used in attire and architectural decoration since the Heian period. It is known for conveying high status and a sense of elegance.

Among temari, the "Kikko" is a very delicate and beautiful pattern, created by carefully carrying the threads to form continuous hexagons. Its well-ordered shape and overall rhythm bring a sense of calm to the beholder.

With wishes for longevity, prosperity, and protection from evil, it is recommended as a gift for elders, or for life milestones (such as coming-of-age, marriage, or 60th birthdays).
For baby celebrations, it is especially recommended for "O-くいぞめ" (first solid food ceremony) and shrine visits, which celebrate longevity◎
It can also be given as a housewarming gift or moving-in gift without any issues.

Japanese color [Akane-iro]

　ー A color of prayer, gently embracing ー

Akane-iro is a traditional Japanese color, cherished since the Manyo era. Its name comes from the dye obtained from the root of the madder plant. Its deep crimson evokes the warm, melancholic hues of a sunset sky.

This akane color is not only beautiful but has also been treasured as a color of prayer and protection. Especially in ancient times, madder dyeing was considered a sacred color imbued with the power of the sun, and was used for baby swaddling clothes and armor as a symbol of warding off evil, good health, and rebirth.

Furthermore, as akane is a color born from the blessings of nature, it is also said to represent a connection to the earth, the cycle of life, and maternal power. Its somewhat nostalgic warmth, gently lighting up the depths of people's hearts, has brought comfort.

Meaning and Message of Akane-iro

🔴 Prayer, gratitude, memory of warmth
🔴 Sunset, tranquility, sign of rebirth
🔴 Blessings of the earth, natural cycle
🔴 Motherhood, nostalgia, a color that embraces the heart

Akane-iro is a deep crimson with a slightly yellowish tint, dyed with a pigment obtained from the root of the madder plant. As its name suggests, it is a somewhat nostalgic and gentle color, reminiscent of a sunset sky.

Since ancient times, akane has been cherished as a "color for prayer" in Shinto rituals and daily life since the Manyo era. It was especially used in critical situations, such as baby swaddling clothes and samurai war coats, because it was believed to possess the power to ward off evil, pray for health, and facilitate rebirth.

Furthermore, akane-iro is a color born from the plants of the earth. Its warmth can be said to reflect the very spirit of the Japanese people who live in harmony with nature.

The Heart Residing in Akane-iro Temari

The Akane-iro temari embodies gentleness, prayer, and a warm feeling of cherishing life. Like a sky gazed upon at sunset, it is a color that quietly embraces the heart, bringing peace and hope. It is a gift of tranquil time, cherishing the passing days and gently blessing the future.
　

"Name engraving" and "message engraving" are available for celebratory gifts!

　

You can engrave a name, date of birth, Hanakamon, or any text you like on the front space.

《 Name, Date of Birth, Hanakamon 》
Supports Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, and Roman characters.
The character limit is 8 characters, but please note that names will be smaller if there are many characters.
　


　《 Your Choice of Text 》

You can engrave approximately 10 characters in Japanese and 15 characters in the alphabet.

You can engrave any message you like on the bottom space.

For baby showers, longevity, weddings, or birthday gifts. You can engrave messages like "Congratulations" or "Thank you," or words wishing future happiness, exactly as you intend them.

*Engraving on the bottom of the base can accommodate approximately 100 characters.

*Alphabetical characters will be engraved in script font.
*The size and placement of characters will be adjusted by us for optimal balance, depending on the number of characters and content.
*Symbols and special characters (emojis, platform-dependent characters, etc.) may not be able to be engraved. We appreciate your understanding.
*Changes or cancellations to engraving content cannot be accepted after placing an order. Please ensure your input is correct.

Notes on Kurashiki Temari

Kurashiki Temari are traditional thread balls carefully crafted by hand, one by one. There are slight variations in the texture of the materials, the tension of the threads, and the appearance of the patterns, giving each temari its own unique personality. Please be aware of the following points and enjoy them.
●Since each item is handmade, there may be slight individual differences in color, pattern, and shape.
●If natural materials or vegetable-dyed threads are used, the color may change over time. Please enjoy this as part of its unique charm.
●They are vulnerable to strong force, impact, and water, so please handle them with care.
●Storing them in direct sunlight for extended periods may cause fading. Please enjoy them in a place out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Temari's appeal lies in the warmth of handmade craftsmanship and the unique character found in small differences. We hope you will gently cherish the individual charm of each temari.

Since hand-dyed threads are used, there may be slight differences in color depending on the lot. Also, as each item is finished by hand, there may be individual variations. Thank you for your understanding.

Folk Craft Nurtured in Kurashiki, a City of Culture

Kurashiki Temari was born out of fascination with "Higo Temari," a traditional craft from Kumamoto. Higo Temari are elaborate thread balls with intricate geometric patterns woven from colorful threads, demonstrating a highly skilled technique. Impressed by their beauty, the creator of Kurashiki Temari elevated this art form into a simpler, gentler expression suited to the Kurashiki region.

The quiet demeanor and rustic, warm texture are the charms of Kurashiki Temari.

Kurashiki, known as a "city of beauty" with numerous museums and craft galleries, has a cultural foundation that has supported and carefully nurtured the craftsmanship of Kurashiki Temari over time.
　

Handcrafted with Care: The "Kurashiki Temari"

Kurashiki Temari are meticulously crafted by hand, one by one.　　
　

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


To achieve the "Kurashiki Temari aesthetic," we use cotton threads that we dye ourselves.
　

　　

　≫ Okayama Folk Crafts: Kurashiki Temari Collection≪