This traditional ball is filled with small objects to create noise when shaken and is used in the game temari. It is decorated with geometric patterns in red, orange, purple, white, and gold silk thread. Two identical flloral designs are on either side, with a purple stripe down across the middle.
Temari is a traditional Japanese ball game. The balls are historically filled with rice skin and are wrapped with colorful thread. "Te" means hand and "mari" is ball. Sometimes a bell or small objects are placed inside to create noise. Temari is a popular indoor game among young girls.
The ball was donated to the Boston Children's Museum by the Citizens of Kyoto, Japan in 1976 to honor the Boston–Kyoto Sister City relationship and the move of The Japanese House to Boston.