Tenugui earn their keep as kitchen towels, hand towels, headbands, gift wrap, and wall hangings all at once. The flat cotton weave is thinner and lighter than terrycloth, dries faster, and takes on designs that would look muddy on a looped pile fabric. They also make excellent gifts precisely because they are useful rather than decorative-only.
The dragonfly, or tombo, holds a longstanding place in Japanese design and symbolism. Because it only flies forward and never backward, it became associated with courage, strength, and victory, and samurai often decorated their armor and sword fittings with dragonfly motifs for that reason. Its appearance each summer near rice paddies also ties it to the season and to Japan's agricultural calendar. This allover navy and blue on white design brings that motif to a modern tenugui, making it a fitting gift for anyone who appreciates Japanese pattern work and a cheerful addition to any kitchen.
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: Dragonflies on White Background
Length: 90 cm (35 inches)
Width: 35 cm (13.75 inches)
Finish: Unhemmed ends (traditional tenugui style)
Wall Hanging Frame Sold Separately
The dragonfly, or tombo, holds a longstanding place in Japanese design and symbolism. Because it only flies forward and never backward, it became associated with courage, strength, and victory, and samurai often decorated their armor and sword fittings with dragonfly motifs for that reason. Its appearance each summer near rice paddies also ties it to the season and to Japan's agricultural calendar. This allover navy and blue on white design brings that motif to a modern tenugui, making it a fitting gift for anyone who appreciates Japanese pattern work and a cheerful addition to any kitchen.
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.
