Choosing a Japanese Tenugui Towel: All You Need to Know

Tenugui is 1 those endearing, everyday, handcrafted Japanese objects that once y'all know what information technology is, you just can't live without. A Japanese Tenugui is a handy piece of fabric, e'er in gorgeous Japanese patterns, with an nigh infinite amount of uses.  Although the proper name may seem unfamiliar to you lot, if you have even a vague interest in Japanese blueprint, chances are you lot've seen one of these earlier. So what is a tenugui, how do you utilise it, where do you buy it, and what has it got to exercise with martial arts? Here is everything you need to know about this trivial Japanese wonder that packs a big punch!

What is a Tenugui?

Red Koi Tenugui, available at Japan Objects Store

An easier question would probably be 'what tin't a tenugui be?' every bit information technology would doubtless yield fewer answers! In the most bones sense, a tenugi is a piece of fabric, usually cotton wool, that tin be used in countless means. With its soft frayed edges and delicate texture, a tenugui looks a piffling like a rag, and you know what, in that location's no reason it couldn't be used as such.

The name tenugui  手拭い in fact comes from the words paw and wipe , so maybe y'all could say it'southward the Japanese cousin of the handkerchief. As a lightweight handtowel, it is certainly an indispensible accompaniment in these hot summer days! Withal given the craftsmanship and history that goes into creating tenugui, using it but to wipe upward sweat and spills feels a piffling wasteful!

Pureland Tenugui, available at Japan Objects Store

Typically effectually iii feet long and 1 human foot wide, its shape makes it an splendid fashion accessory, worn as a headwrap, or head ring. It is also perfect for gift-wrapping, and as a souvenir in itself. Japanese Tenugui tin be used every bit a canvas for some fine artistry, which ways they can likewise be hung up for view, tapestry manner. For example, the tenugui above features fantastically stylized lotus flowers by veteran contemporary visual artist Hideki Kimura. The original tin exist institute on the sliding panels within Kyoto'southward Shoren-in Temple.

Utagawa Hiroshige, Dye House at Konya-Cho, 1857, Met Museum

Historically it'southward said that the tenugui was created during the Heian period, around a thousand years ago, which was a time of great cultural evolution in Japan. Tenugui cloths were originally considered luxury items, crafted from silk or fine cotton and hemp; notwithstanding, as fabric production techniques evolved, tenugui became far more affordable, and their real everyday uses were explored, creating in the tenugui we see today.

What to Consider when Buying Tenugui?

If you lot're in the market for tenugui there are three main factors to consider: its intended purpose, the quality of the cotton, and authenticity of the material. If you're looking for a tenugui that's going to be used for gift-wrapping, it'southward amend to become with something maybe a little thicker. It volition make your life easier if you selection a repeated pattern rather than a full image which will be distorted during the folding.

Ohashi Bridge Tenugui, available at Japan Objects Store

If you're wanting to ensure that what you're buying is of the best quality information technology'southward safest to got for the authentic, and be sure to purchase a made-in-Japan product. Made with the quality cotton, expert hand dying and ever sold at an affordable price indicate, you really can't go wrong.

Like to the Tenugui is the Furoshiki. Observe out more than nigh these at Furoshiki: All Y'all Need to Know About Japanese Wrapping Cloth.

Where Can I Buy Tenugui?

Y'all tin can easily pick upwardly a tenugui from many of Japan's craft and gift stores, equally well as more traditional gift outlets. Even so if you're on the chase for something a little special or a little unique, be sure to pay a visit to Rienzome at Japan Objects Store. For more than 140 years, Rienzome has produced countless tenugui designs. You lot'll discover everything from whimsical and cheering designs, to depictions of Japan through the 4 seasons, to masterpieces of ukiyo-eastward woodblock prints.

Beauty Tenugui at Japan Objects Store

Rienzome'due south tenugui consist of ii types of cotton fabric, Niioka and Shinwakamatsu which differ in thread count. Niioka fabric has a higher thread count, making it effectively and softer to the touch than Shinwakamatsu fabric. However, all Rienzome tenugui soften with continued utilize and both Niioka and Shinwakamatsu tenugui are the issue of the traditional chusen dyeing method in which the same pattern appears on both sides of a textile.

Sumida River Tenugui at Japan Objects Store

Simple patterns are stenciled by hand while intricate designs are the outcome of car-cast stencils. Due to the nature of the dying process resulting in minor differences in the pattern and color, no two tenugui are e'er alike. To preserve the color and to preclude colour transfer onto garments or other fabrics, hand wash tenugui separately. The ends of tenugui are traditionally left unhemmed, but they volition stop fraying after a few washes.

How to Gift-wrap with Tenugui

Furoshiki cloths are used to wrap gifts, which makes a very bonny and eco-friendly container. Unlike shaped objects require dissimilar shapes and sizes of cloth, so here is where tenugui come in handy! There are a few fiddling insider tips for those wanting to gift-wrap using a tenugui. This video offers some very straightforward guidance on how to perfectly gift-wrap a box. Or cheque out our article on furoshiki, for all your larger gifts.

How to Tie a Tenugui Headband

Ane of the most common uses for tenugui we meet today is every bit a type of Japanese headscarf of sorts. Worn by both men and women, the tenugui as a fashion accessory rose to prominence alongside the popularity of onsen bathing. Given that the fuzzy towels nosotros see today were not yet created the tenugui made an splendid multi-purpose bathing accompaniment, perfect for tying hair back while bathing, and so drying the body in one case done. For kendo fighters wearing a tenugui became extremely useful way to keep hair away from the confront before putting on their protective headgear (known as bogu).

The basic method is to hold the corners of the tenugui'south longest edge in front of your forehead, and so draw it dorsum over your caput so that the front edge is in a higher place your optics, while you remain belongings the rear two corners behind you. Wrap the corners tightly effectually your forehead, and then lift the veil over the top of your head and fold it in. This video is a great visual guide, even if you lot don't speak Japanese. The best style is just to give it a get!

Nippon has a wealth of options for craft-addicts and fabric hunters. Check out these v Places to Purchase Fabrics in Tokyo, or learn more nigh Japanese Noren in our Indispensible Guide!

For your next easy, useful and unique souvenir for a friend or family member, consider a tenugui!

July 27, 2018 | Arts and crafts, Lifestyle, Fashion, Shopping

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