Tenugui - Sunflower Field

A tenugui is a light cotton hand towel that has a wide range of uses, from wrapping books and lunch boxes in day-to-day life, to gift wrapping, to simply wiping hands after washing.

This tenugui was produced in Tokyo using a specialized hand dyeing technique, chusen. It is a technique that dyes not only the surface of the fabric but also penetrates the material so the pattern can be seen when the cloth is reversed. The making process begins with stencils that provide an outline of the pattern for glue. Then, an additional glue-like mixture is applied to create a wall that separates areas of individual colour so that the different dyes can be carefully poured onto each section directly. The chusen dyeing technique allows the fabric to remain soft, highly absorbent, and to dry quickly. The dyed colours change over time and the tenugui becomes softer after every wash.

This tenugui features bright depictions of sunflowers, a familiar symbol of summer.

Wash separately from other clothing for the first few washes.
Avoid using detergent with bleach.
Handwash or use handwash setting on washing machine.
After washing, leave to dry completely.
Leaving the product soaked in water for prolonged periods can cause the colour to fade.

33 x 90cm

Kansai

The Kansai region includes the second-most populated metropolitan area in Japan with its largest city Osaka. Kyoto and Nara, two of Japan’s former capital cities, are home to important temples and shrines and strongholds of intangible cultural heritage, such as the Kyoto textile weaving skills of Nishijin.