KAMAWANU Tenugui - One Stroke Snake
手ぬぐい ひとふでへび
£20.00 per item
A hand-dyed tenugui produced in Tokyo, with a depiction of snakes with one single continuous stroke, celebrating the year of the snake.
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 has a pattern of a snake looking upwards in a single continuous stroke, symbolizing a wish for uninterrupted good fortune. Looked at closely, it resembles the kanji character for the zodiac animal of 2025, the snake.
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.
Size: 33x90cm
Material : 100% cotton
Tōhoku
Tōhoku consists of six prefectures located in the north-east of Honshu island. This region is known for its hot spring (onsen) resorts, colourful festivals, remote sacred mountains and harsh winters. In 2011, the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the region hard; however, the massive efforts in reconstruction are proof of the people’s resilience. Urushi (lacquer) ware, ironware and the crafting of kokeshi dolls make up but a few of the local industries in this lesser-visited region of Japan.
