KAMAWANU Tenugui – Karakusa/Arabesque

A hand-dyed tenugui crafted in Tokyo and patterned with branches of pine trees, the auspicious symbol of resilience, longevity and immortality.

£20 per item

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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 the motif of karakusa, vines entwining and creating a continuous pattern signifying things which are everlasting. The pattern has often been used for furoshiki, wrapping cloth, and for business purposes as it also symbolized prosperity and longevity.

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

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Kantō
Region

Kantō

関東

The Kantō region is densely populated and home to a third of the country's population. It is centred around the nation's vibrant capital – Tokyo, formerly known as Edo, which has been the cultural, economic and political heart of Japan for centuries. Outside this megacity, there are mountains, onsen and ski resorts, magnificent temple complexes and excellent surfing opportunities within easy reach.

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Kamawanu
Producer

Kamawanu

かまわぬ

Kamawanu produces over 400 styles of tenugui - a type of cloth introduced in the Heian period (794–1185 CE) which has a multitude of uses, from drying one's hands or face, to wrapping gifts or carrying small items. Kamawanu produces tenugui using the chūsen method of dyeing. This technique involves pouring dye onto cloth so that it seeps all the way through, resulting in a quick-drying cotton which becomes softer with every wash.

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