A Tenugui is a hand-dyed rectangular cloth traditionally used in Japan as functional everyday housewares/garments. You can use it as a kitchen towel, hand towel, headband, scarf, etc...
KOMON means "little patterns" in Japanese. This is a collection of TENUGUI with KOMON patterns. Many KOMON patterns are traditional and have been enjoyed for over 100 years in Japan among commoners. Each pattern has its name and meaning. We also have KOMON patterns designed in recent years. Motifs are taken from everyday housewares, foods, etc., in modern Japan.
Choose between blue Kiki Zake Circles or brown with white hawk feathers.
100% Cotton
w33 x h90cm
w11.81 x 35.5 inches
STORY OF TENUGUI
In the Heian period (AD 794 - 1192) TENUGUI was used as accessories for Shinto rituals. Cloth was such a precious item that the use of the item was not widespread among the people during the Nara period (710 - 794). From the Kamakura period (1192 - 1333) on, it gradually became popular. In the Edo period (1592 - 1868), cotton began to be cultivated in various parts of Japan, and TENUGUI became a necessary item for living.
It was around this time that people started to regard it as a valuable item not only in terms of its functions but in terms of its artistic value.
Then a contest called "TENUGUI-AWASE" became a widespread event among a certain type of people who tried to win with their original designs on TENUGUI.
Such competition contributed to the development of new dyeing techniques. In the Meiji era (1868 - 1912) a dyeing technique called "Chusen" was devised, and it extensively revolutionized the industry. In or around the Showa period (1926 - 1989), a variety of associations were formed by people who loved TENUGUI and such associations spread throughout the country with TENUGUI as an item that is no longer within the realm of daily necessities.
THE BRAND
KAMAWANU is specialized in the making of TENUGUI, a hand-dyed rectangular cloth traditionally used in Japan as functional everyday housewares/garments. The TENUGUI is created using the "CHUSEN" hand-dyeing technique, which dates back to the Meiji Period over 100 years ago and is still used by today's craftspeople who value its refined textures and visual qualities. Since its establishment in 1987, KAMAWANU has developed more than 500 different TENUGUI patterns, thus bringing new life to the "CHUSEN" hand-dyeing tradition, including the training of apprentice "CHUSEN" craftspeople.
