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.
Featuring a thriving bamboo pattern, this tenugui captures the plant’s steady and vibrant growth. Bamboo is celebrated as an auspicious symbol, often used in celebratory scenes and significant milestones.