Tenugui Cloth - New Year's Pattern

Tenugui are traditional Japanese towels, that have so many different uses – fold it into a small pouch for your glasses or use it as a place mat. It is as beautiful as it is practical.

Choose between the pattern of dragon - the year of animal in 2024 - or Karashishi.  These tenugui have been produced by Marukyu Shoten in Tokyo. Founded in 1899, all the fabric is hand-dyed by a small team of artisans.

Choose between the turtle shell lattice, a symbol of longevity, Kikko Koshi, the hailstones of Arare, the woven lattice of Ajiro, or the delicate waves of Uneri Shima.

There are also flower patterns and chic patterns available.

All the prints are traditional Japanese patterns found on Yukata, cotton summer Kimono. Marukyu Shoten uses a dyeing technique called chusen, which uses paper stencils called 'ise katagami' that have been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan.

Tenugui have been around since the Heian era (794-1185 A.D.). Originally used for ceremonies and considered a very luxurious item, as the mass production of cloth was invented tenugui became more popular and were soon staples of Japanese households.

These 100% cotton, hand-dyed cloths have a myriad of uses. The fabric comes with a pattern to make an Azuma Bag – perfect for carrying a bento box, or other items. But that needn’t be the only option. You can fold your tenugui into a headband or scarf. Turn it into a small pouch perfect for glasses or a phone. You can even use your tenugui as a place mat, or tea towel.

As they are 100% cotton, tenugui can be washed time and time again, with the fabric only becoming softer. Tenugui really is such a versatile and sustainable material.

Size:

Approximately 90 cm x 34 cm