Tenugui with Hound's-tooth Check Pattern (1505)

"Chidori Goushi"
lt is called a "houndstooth lattice" because the check pattern resembles the flying figure of a staggered bird. Even in modern times, patterns arranged in black and white are often used for clothing, but it seems that staggered patterns were already used in everyday life during the Heian period.

"Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese towel", but this translation fails to cover their versatility and cultural significance. Tenugui are not only used as hand towels and handkerchiefs, but also function as fashion items, gift wrapping, souvenirs, sweat bands and padding (e.g. in the martial arts kendo), and of course as decorative items due to their often beautiful, funny or nostalgic patterns.

Please be aware that tenugui cloth by default never are hemmed, which allows them to dry very quickly.