Tenugui Towel Chusen Dye | Omen

What is Tenugui?

手拭  Tenugui are Japanese traditional hand towels and they are used in many ways and so versatile.

The materials are thin, made of cotton and have unique patterns.

You might have seen that Japanese men wear it around their head or neck to wipe their sweat during the summer too.

Tenugui have a lot of cultural history so make great gifts and souvenirs.

The size of Tenugui is approx. 30cm x 90cm and it has become popular as a wall decoration with a tapestry rod.

What is Chusen Dye 注染?

This Tenugui was dyed with a technique called ‘Chusen Dye’.

Chusen dye is a traditional Japanese dyeing method started in Edo period (17th century) and one of the most beautiful techniques.

With this method it can be dyed using multiple colors at once, creating elaborated designs than printing.

You can watch how it is done from this Youtube video.

Definitely it is an art of work!

This Tenugui features comical omen – masks.  Have you seen these 3 faces?

From the left

– おかめ Okame

– ひょっとこ Hyottoko

– 天狗 Tengu

Note: The top and bottom of the fabric is not hemmed usually.  This allows fabric to dry faster and not accumulating unwanted germs.  The fabric will fray but will stop with time.  Cut off the loose threads and allow the fabric to age gracefully.