The Davos Forum is a gathering of all kinds of global elites. It is not just a "brain storming" session but an excellent way to swap ideas between eastern and western cultures. This year, at the Tianjin display area in the New Champions Village, there are many diverse things to enjoy. Not only will a visitor be able to view Tianjin traditional folk arts, such as the Yangliuqing New Year's pictures and Clay Figure Zhang, but they can also enjoy a recently emerging art form - Temari Balls. All in all, the best description is that it is a celebration and festival of art.

How to make Temari Balls: Step 1

Temari Balls are a folk art form that originated in China and were introduced to Japan around the 7th century A.D. "Temari" means "hand ball" in Japanese. The Temari are highly valued and cherished gifts, symbolizing deep friendship and loyalty. Also, their brilliant colors and threads are symbolic in wishing the recipient a prosperous and happy life. Traditionally, Temari were often given to children by their parents on New Year's Day. Inside the tightly wrapped layers of each ball, the mother would place a small piece of paper with a wish for her child. The child would never be told what their mother’s wish was while she was making the ball.

Recently, Temari Balls have again become popular in China and this has been welcomed by lovers of our culture. Qi Qi, the first person to bring Temari Balls to Tianjin is a photographer who works for a newspaper office. Since discovering her new hobby, creating Temari Balls now takes up most of her spare time. Qi Qi's Temari Ball Studio was set up in June and her works can be found at the Davos Exhibition. She is delighted that her audience has widened and is encouraged that the popularity of Temari Balls will continue to grow.