Tenugui with Traditional Blue & White Pattern (1048)

Imari.
This Rienzome Tenugui towel has been dyed with a traditional blue and white pattern that is typical for for Imari porcelain from region around Arita in southern Japan. This arabesque pattern was typical for the early times of Imari porcelain during the Edo 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.