Japanese Temari Association Certification
The publication of 12 Months of Temari, a book written and published in 1968 by the Honorary JTA President, Ozaki Chiyoko, was received very positively by temari fans throughout the nation of Japan. The Japan Temari Association was established in 1979 with headquarters and a museum which are presently located in the Setagaya-ku neighborhood of Tokyo. It's purpose is to pass on the art and tradition of Japanese temari, to heighten its artistry, and to educate the successors of temari-making. At the same time, members try to deepen their understanding of the art of temari as well as to aid in cultural exchange with other nations and to help improve Japanese culture.
Tasks of Japanese Temari Association
- Opening a gallery to the public
- Hosting classes, seminars, meetings
- Cultural exchange with foreign countries and volunteer activities
- Technique examinations for certification
- Release of newsletters, editing, and publications
Thanks to Ai, a Level 4 member of the JTA, we are able to apply to the association for membership and certification in on
e of the four levels. Judging is held in late June each year. The process of certification gives you the opportunity for self-study and improvement in order to fulfill the quite specific requirements for each level. As a Level 3 member, I am certified as a teacher and can help guide you along the way by offering classes to help improve stitching and write patterns.
Preparing your submission is a wonderful opportunity for learning to improve your temari skills and make them the best that they can be. It helps promote the craft by supporting the JTA through the dues and fees you pay. And it helps to preserve the craft by the acknowledgement of good temari techniques practiced by the applicants.
Level 1 (Honka or Introductory)
Submit one photo of superior quality for each. Good execution of stitching is the important thing about this level. You can apply for this level after one year of temari study. You can apply for levels 1 and 2 at the same time.
- Simple 4 division temari, stitched in masu kagari (squares)
- Simple 6 division temari, stitched in mitsubane-kikkou kagari (tri-wing or trefoil)
- Simple 8 division temari, stitched in jyouge douji kagari (merry-go-round)
- Simple 12 division temari stitched in uwagake chidori kagari (kiku herringbone)
Level 2 (Koutouka or Advanced)
Submit photos of superior quality and written directions with diagrams. For Level 2, excellent stitching quality is important as well as being able to communicate to someone else how you stitched the temari in your pattern. Using current JTA vocabulary is very important not only for the judges but for our translator. These do not have to be your original work so only your technical proficiency is judged, not design.
- Three combination 8 temari
- Three combination 10 temari
Level 3 - (Shihan or Master-Teacher)
This is one of the most challenging levels and may be applied for two years after receiving level 2 certification. You need to design eight original temari and write the patterns. Since upon successful completion, the JTA will certify you as a teacher, you should submit temari that demonstrate a wide range of divisions, markings, and stitching techniques. Three of the actual temari should be mailed to the JTA for them to keep.
Level 4 - (Kyoujyu or Professor)
Six original temari and patterns should be submitted for the JTA to keep. All work needs to be of superior quality. You can apply for this level three years after receiving level 3 certification.
Information on certifications classes (class closed for 2012)