Incense container in the shape of a toy ball wrapped with thread

The container holds small pieces of incense that might be placed among the coals of the brazier when the fire is prepared in front of guests for their enjoyment. In this case, the host has placed the container in the alcove on a special pack of folded paper. This indicates to the guests that the charcoal has been laid, and that the container is displayed for their pleasure.

This incense container is in the shape of a toy thread ball called temari; such balls were made by decoratively wrapping a cotton core with thread. Throughout the Edo period (1615– 1868), temari balls were a popular gift from mother to daughter on New Year’s Day, when they would be played with or displayed.