Tenugui with Tai Fish (1303)
Description
MedeTAI.
This Tenugui cloth from Rienzome features a motif "Tai", or Sea Bream. Using wordplay, the tai represents part of "medetai", meaning to celebrate, and the fish is therefore often served during festive occasions such as weddings, New Years and when a new child is born; to wish for prosperity and happiness.
"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.