Handmade Temari "Kōtemari-Pallet"

Scented temari · Natural Japanese incense · Sanuki Kagari Temari Preservation Society

A fragrance that fills the room quietly
Kōtemari — scented temari balls — gently perfume the surrounding air, adding calm, warmth, and subtle color to any interior. Display them in their box, or hang them on a wall or door as a decorative room fragrance.

Blended with traditional Japanese incense
A Kōtemari is a traditional Japanese scented ball made with rice husks and filled with premium natural incense. Only natural ingredients are used: sandalwood, clove, cinnamon bark, patchouli, and borneol. This exclusive blend is created by Yamada-Matsu Incense Wood Store in Kyoto, a renowned incense maker preserving Japanese fragrance traditions since the Edo period. The fragrance lasts for over one year.

Crafting a Kōtemari requires exceptional skill. Artisans rely solely on touch to wind cotton thread evenly, forming a perfectly round sphere. The Kōtemari Palette demands even greater precision — multiple scented temari are connected with fine thread chosen to match their texture, and even a slight shift in alignment would disrupt the square composition.

The finished palette resembles a compact work of art — suitable for hanging on a wall or displaying in its box as a refined Japanese room fragrance.

The enduring beauty of temari craft
Historically, temari were handcrafted with colorful silk threads as toys for princesses, featuring intricate geometric patterns. Today, they are rarely seen in daily life — yet the Sanuki Kagari Temari Preservation Society continues this heritage. Led by Eiko Araki, around 150 artisans, dyers, and staff refine authentic techniques while adapting temari for modern interiors.

The guiding principle is simple: never stress the thread. Whether dyeing with natural plant-based pigments or stitching patterns, each process is handled with care. This approach reduces fuzz and creates a soft, natural sheen. Each temari reflects quiet elegance — an object shaped by tradition, skill, and timeless craft.

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