Tenugui with Kappa (619)

A Kappa is a mystical creature from Japanese folklore tales. Often described as "human-like turtles", and carrying dishes with water on their head; once befriended, they perform good deeds, such as helping farmers irrigate their land, bringing fresh fish, which is regarded as a mark of good fortune for the family that receives it, and sharing their knowledge on medicine and healing. 

Rienzome is the brand name of traditional cloth maker TODAYA, established in 1872, currently run by the 6th generation. ???Rien??? means the people of Kabuki and traditional dancing, and the brand name therefore refers to this world as they have always loved and cherished the art of tenugui.

Rienzome uses 100% cotton and hand-dyes all their tenugui according to traditional chusen dyeing method.

"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.