Sanuki Kagari Temari!

This time, we'll be taking a look at the video "Sanuki Kagari Temari" (讃岐かがり手まり) released by "Japan Video Topics," that introduces Sanuki Kagari Temari.

Sanuki Kagari Temari is a traditional handicraft that has been made in Takamatsu, Kagawa, in Japan's Shikoku region (四国地方, Shikoku-Chiho), for many years.
With its elegant patterns, Sanuki Kagari Temari has been popular as a trinket for women and children.
The beautiful patterns of cherry blossoms, maple trees, and cute animals are something you'll never get tired of looking at.
Nowadays, they are also popular as decorative goods.

Sanuki Kagari Temari has been popular among common people since the mid-Edo period (around 1700-1800 A.D.) as a fun activity to enjoy on New Year's Day, and has been handed down to the present day over a long period of time.

How Sanuki Kagari Temari is Made

Source :YouTube screenshot

You can see how Sanuki Kagari Temari are made from 0:53 in the video.
The cores of Sanuki Kagari Temari are made of rice husks.
They are then wrapped completely with cotton thread to shape them into beautiful balls.

When making Sanuki Kagari Temari, a dividing line is drawn with thread to serve as a guiding line for drawing patterns.
The guiding lines for drawing detailed patterns are all wrapped by hand.
This process can be seen from 1:08 in the video.

The next step is to make the pattern by hand using marking pins.
As the craft maker puts the thread together, a beautiful geometric pattern is created on the ball.
The cotton threads used to sew the Sanuki Kagari Temari are dyed with natural plant dyes, a process called "Kusaki-Zome."
There are around 140 different colors that can be used to color the cloth.

Try Your Hand at Making Sanuki Kagari Temari!

Source :YouTube screenshot

If you want to experience making Sanuki Kagari Temari, check out the website of the "SANUKI KAGARI TEMARI Preservation Association."
The website offers an online shopping section where you can buy handicraft kits that help you experience Sanuki Kagari Temari easily.
Why not buy a set and enjoy making your own colorful Sanuki Kagari Temari?
There are also workshops in Kagawa Prefecture where you can learn how to make and play with Sanuki Kagari Temari.

Summary of Sanuki Kagari Temari, a Traditional Japanese Craft

Source :YouTube screenshot

In this article, we introduced Sanuki Kagari Temari, a traditional craft of Kagawa Prefecture.
This video was made for those who are interested in Japanese culture, life, and customs.
Sanuki Kagari Temari is the perfect souvenir to commemorate your trip to Kagawa Prefecture.

You can buy Sanuki Kagari Temari products online as well, so if the video has you interested, be sure to check out their online store.

【Official Website】 SANUKI KAGARI TEMARI
http://www.eiko-temari.jp/