The Exemplary 2025
2nd Place, Non-Professional Original
The Ruby Challenge
The Exemplary Award

This kind of overlapping geometry is not rare in Temari but usually relies on layering different colors with high contrast for unique mosaic forms. Rubies and gems are far from typical motifs. I wanted to explore how a more restrained palette could mimic the shining facets of a jewel, while keeping traditional motifs for the golden fittings. The white of the flowers connects the color scheme to the palette of Japanese lacquerware, which was instructive in its balance of excess and somber relief.