TENUGUI

"TENUGUI" is a piece of dyed cotton cloth(33cm x 90cm) and has been used as a wiping tool such as a towel or handkerchief, and it was also used as a bandage or headwear in the old days.

The drawing patterns of TENUGUI used to be traditional Japanese designs, and mainly it was used by older people.

However, a range of designs and colors has been offered recently and younger people are getting interested in TENUGUI.

Also, people have found even more ways to use it, from place mats to tapestry for decorating their homes.

After coming to U.S., I have used TENUGUI as a part of table decorations such as a napkin or hand towel so that I can show something Japanese to non-Japanese guests at the table.

I think it was "KAMAWANU" that sparked off the TENUGUI boom in Japan, which is a company that develops and sells TENUGUI in Daikanyama, Tokyo.

They have produced various TENUGUIs and it is so interesting for us to see the designs.

I would like to introduce some TENUGUIs I have.
First of all, collections from KAMAWANU.

These are some of their standard articles.
They are designed by arranging traditional Japanese patterns.

They are very Japanese designs when we see them as a single item, but I think they can fit with European tableware.

This is the product of KAMAWANU as well, and I sometimes give it to a non-Japanese friend as a gift.

The design of this TENUGUI includes some food, tools and places which represent Japan and each name in Japanese is accompanied below the illustrations.
In addition, "NIPPON" means Japan in Japanese language.

This is not of KAMAWANU, but it is an unique TENUGUI that a friend of mine, who is the owner of Scandinavian ceramic shop, sent it to me with an invitation card of his shop's event.

This was designed in the motif of "ANEMON", which is one of representive designs of Rorstrand, Swedish ceramic maker.
There has been a North Europe boom for these 2-3 years in Japan, and this is the collaboration between TENUGUI and North Europe.

I have another TENUGUI related to North Europe.

As you see, the base of this design is Finnish National flag.

My friend gave it to me and I love it!
When I came back temporarily to Japan this spring, I brought my bento(lunch box) covered with TENUGUI wrapping, and had a bento party with my friends.

TENUGUI is just a white plain cloth, but it is possible to dye various graphic designs on it.
I have been attracted to TENUGUI because I left Japan and I am seeing Japan as a non-Japanese in a way as well as a Japanese.