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Art can truly be found in the most unexpected forms. Take Japan’s woven temari balls. These delicately embroidered “hand balls” are decorated with vivid colors and intricate patterns. While few Indonesians have heard of them, temari balls are a whimsical and imaginative Japanese art form with a rich history.

To get the ball rolling on spreading the word about this historical handicraft, the Indonesian Temari Association is holding an exhibition at the Japan Foundation in Jakarta until Thursday.

“This is the first time temari balls have been displayed in Indonesia,” said Frida Prawiradjaja, the association’s deputy chairwoman. 

Established last year, the association has 16 members, all women, ranging in age from 35 to 78. Despite being a small group, the association has worked hard to produce an admirable exhibition. The handmade balls on display range greatly in size, color palette and pattern. Their brilliant hues and mesmerizing geometric patterns almost seem to bring the inanimate balls to life. 

Temari, which means “hand ball” in Japanese, originated in China and was brought to Japan around 500 to 600 years ago. It was initially a hobby enjoyed exclusively by the Japanese aristocracy. 

“Court ladies in noble families created these decorative balls to symbolize perfection and flow,” Frida said. 

The temari balls were typically made for noble men and would be attached to their robes or swords as a symbol of a woman’s love. 

Over time, the popularity of temari balls spread beyond the royal palaces. Mothers and grandmothers would make the balls from the remnants of old kimonos and give them to children as toys. Because they were tightly bundled up with wool, the balls were safe to play with and some were even able to bounce. 

“Eventually, people who made temari balls became more creative and innovative in terms of pattern, color and technique. And now it’s developed into a unique art form unlike any other,” Frida said.  

She said temari was still popular in Japan, especially among the older generation. Potential temari instructors even have to take a training course and be certified. 

According to Frida, a simpler and smaller temari ball could take three to four hours to make. The artist would start with a Styrofoam ball, wrap it with two layers of threads and then start sewing on the various patterns and designs. The more complex patterns take more effort, concentration and, of course, time. 

“It just depends on how long the artist is able to really sit and concentrate on finishing the ball. If you’re really dedicated, you can even finish four balls in a day,” she said. 

For the women in the Indonesian Temari Association, the art form is a fun pastime and an outlet for their creativity. 

Although most of their patterns and designs are taken from Japanese guidebooks, Frida said more and more members were branching out from the typical textbook designs. 

“We are playing around with color and creating our own unique patterns. We’re no longer limited to the textbooks and can make the designs truly our own,” she said. 

They have even started incorporating other materials into their temari balls, such as beads, glitter and crocheted fabric. Some get attached to key chains and necklaces and some have a bell in the center for good luck.

To promote the hobby, the Indonesian Temari Association and the Japan Foundation will also be holding workshops throughout August. The workshops will be taught by a Japanese temari artist. 

Heni, a visitor to the exhibition, said that she had never seen anything like the temari balls. 

“It’s a very interesting form of Japanese art. More people should know about this,” she said. 

But despite her appreciation, she doubted that she would attempt making one on her own.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever try it myself. It looks so hard,” she said. 

Frida acknowledged that making a temari ball required tremendous concentration and determination. She said one of the rewards of learning the craft was that it taught her to be patient.

“One wrong step or one wrong placement of the thread can ruin everything. But then again, that’s why it’s so satisfying to see your finished temari ball,” she said. 

Frida said the oldest member of the association was 78 years old and was still diligently making temari balls in her spare time. 

“Even when she’s struggling with her health, she still finds the time and makes the effort to make the balls,” she said.  

“That’s why I really believe that everyone can make a temari ball. Even small children can make them if they want. If there’s a will, there’s a way.”