Tenugui with Temari Balls (747)

TEMARI.
This Tenugui towel from Rienzome features Japanese temari balls. Temari balls are a folk art that appeared in Japan in the seventh century and that were used as toys. Over time the techniques for making these hand balls become more elaborate and they nowadays are more an art than a toy.

"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.