Part of what makes tenugui so popular as gifts and collectibles is the sheer range of designs - traditional motifs sit alongside playful modern illustrations, and the flat cotton weave prints beautifully in either direction. They are lightweight enough to collect seriously without running out of space.
Whales, or kujira, have a long history in Japanese coastal culture, tied to centuries of fishing communities along the coast and to a folk tradition that saw the whale as a bringer of good fortune, sometimes even honored as a protective or divine visitor from the sea. This design scatters small whales across a blue background, a playful nod to that maritime heritage rendered in a compact, repeating pattern well suited to the tenugui format.
Care Instructions: Dyed tenugui may fade slightly during the first two or three washes, so wash separately the first time using a gentle detergent. After washing, squeeze lightly to smooth out wrinkles and allow the towel to air dry. Both ends are intentionally left unhemmed in the traditional tenugui style and will fray slightly over time - simply trim loose threads as needed. The fraying will naturally stop and form a soft edge.Made in Japan
Material: 100% Cotton
Design: Whales on Blue Background
Length: 90 cm (35 inches)
Width: 35 cm (13.75 inches)
Finish: Unhemmed ends (traditional tenugui style)
Whales, or kujira, have a long history in Japanese coastal culture, tied to centuries of fishing communities along the coast and to a folk tradition that saw the whale as a bringer of good fortune, sometimes even honored as a protective or divine visitor from the sea. This design scatters small whales across a blue background, a playful nod to that maritime heritage rendered in a compact, repeating pattern well suited to the tenugui format.
Care Instructions: Dyed tenugui may fade slightly during the first two or three washes, so wash separately the first time using a gentle detergent. After washing, squeeze lightly to smooth out wrinkles and allow the towel to air dry. Both ends are intentionally left unhemmed in the traditional tenugui style and will fray slightly over time - simply trim loose threads as needed. The fraying will naturally stop and form a soft edge.
