Tenugui are often described as "Japanese cotton (hand) towels". This short description does not do their versatility and cultural history justice! Handmade and hand-painted, these reusable and biodegradable cloths come in an endless range of colors, prints and designs. Tenugui are not only used as hand towels and handkerchiefs, but also function as fashion items (such as scarves or hair accessories), eco-friendly gift wrapping, handmade souvenirs from Japan, absorbent sweat bands during summer and martial arts padding (such as kendo). Of course, you can also admire their beauty and your favorite pattern, such as floral, animal or nostalgic designs, by hanging them on your wall and adding a Japanese touch to your room. 
However you choose to use them, tenugui make for a great investment and a beautiful way to celebrate Japanese culture.  

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Tenugui

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  • Tenugui with Party in the Moonlight Pattern (846)

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    Tenugui with Party in the Moonlight Pattern (846)

    Tsukimi.Tsukimi is the activity of watching the (full) moon at night and celebrating it by having food and drinks with loved ones. This tenugui captures that sentiment by portraying the waving grass in the moonlight. "Tenugui" is often translated as...
    ¥1,540
  • Tenugui with Patterns of Boxwood Combs (216) *last ones*

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    Tenugui with Patterns of Boxwood Combs (216) *last ones*

    Boxwood.This Tenugui cloth features traditional Japanese boxwood combs. These were and are still being used as combs or as hair ornaments."Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese towel", but this translation fails to cover their versatility and...
    ¥1,320
  • Rienzome Tenugui Cloth with Patterns of Large Ume Flowers (899)
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    Tenugui with Patterns of Large Ume Flowers (899)

    Ume Blossoms.Ume flowers are one of traditional flowers in Japan which have been admired since the period of the samurai. This tenugui cloth from RIENZOME has a pattern of large ume blossoms in grey and pink."Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese...
    ¥1,540
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  • Rienzome Tenugui with Patterns of Whirling Tides (228)
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    Tenugui with Patterns of Whirling Tides (228)

    Whirling Tides.This Tenugui from Rienzome has a very dynamic and modern looking design of whirling tides."Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese towel", but this translation fails to cover their versatility and cultural significance. Tenugui are not...
    ¥1,320
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  • Tenugui with Pear, Shiba-Inu and Gulls Pattern (390) Tenugui with Pear, Shiba-Inu and Gulls Pattern (390)
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    Tenugui with Pear, Shiba-Inu and Gulls Pattern (390)

    "150 Anniversary Edo Theme"This tenugui is created in commemoration of the 150th anniversary of Rienzome. Artist Mutsumi Kagoshima, who is active in a wide range of fields such as ceramics and fabrics, drew an original pattern. It is a design that...
    ¥1,650
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  • RIENZOME Tenugui Cloth with Pine Needles (787)
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    Tenugui with Pine Needles (787)

    Pine Needles.This Rienzome Tenugui towel has patterns of pine needles. It makes it a nice seasonal tenugui for autumn."Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese towel", but this translation fails to cover their versatility and cultural significance...
    ¥1,320
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  • Tenugui with Pines (1006)

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    Tenugui with Pines (1006)

    Strong as a Pine.This tenugui cloth from Rienzume shows a very traditional pattern of Japanese pines. Pines are a symbol of strength as they never change color and endure hot Japanese summer as well as the cold winter."Tenugui" is often translated as...
    ¥1,320
  • Tenugui with Pink and Green Snowflakes (1256)

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    Tenugui with Pink and Green Snowflakes (1256)

    Snowflakes. A cute, rather traditional pattern with soft green and pink snowflakes for a wintery, yet warm feeling. "Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese towel", but this translation fails to cover their versatility and cultural significance...
    ¥1,540
  • Tenugui with Pink Cherry Blossoms (213)

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    Tenugui with Pink Cherry Blossoms (213)

    Sakura. This Tenugui cloth is featuring sakura cherry blossoms making it a perfect pattern for spring."Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese towel", but this translation fails to cover their versatility and cultural significance. Tenugui are not only...
    ¥1,540
  • Tenugui with Pink Roses (283)

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    Tenugui with Pink Roses (283)

    Rose.Famous for their beauty and pleasant scent, the rose has been a widely appreciated symbol for beauty and youth since ancient times. Peaking in early summer, the roses can now be enjoyed all-year-round with this beautiful, stylish tenugui. ...
    ¥1,650
  • Tenugui with Pink Sakura Design (836)

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    Tenugui with Pink Sakura Design (836)

    SakuraA cute, colorful pattern that reminds of the Japanese spring. The cute sakura flowers are often seen in clothes, artworks and prints and are a beautiful Japanese symbol. This tenugui is therefore a great Japanese souvenir or gift. "Tenugui" is...
    ¥1,320
  • Tenugui with Playing Goldfish (941)

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    Tenugui with Playing Goldfish (941)

    Playing Goldish.This Tenugui towel is a symbol of the Japanese summer. Every since gold fish were introduced to Japan from China, the elegantly moving fish have been popular among the townspeople. Even now they are often kept at summer festival and...
    ¥1,320
  • Rienzome Tenugui Cloth with Prima Ballerina (192)
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    Tenugui with Prima Ballerina (192)

    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...
    ¥1,540
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  • Rienzome Tenugui with Purple Nadeshiko Flowers (990-V)
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    Tenugui with Purple Nadeshiko Flowers (990-V)

    Tenugui are thin Japanese cotton hand towels. They are generally 35 by 90 centimeters, plain woven and usually have a specific pattern or image. They are very versatile and are therefore make very popular gifts and souvenirs. Traditionally, tenugui were...
    ¥1,320
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  • Tenugui with Quails (417)

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    Tenugui with Quails (417)

    Quails. This elegant tenugui features quails on a calm background. It is said that during the Edo period in Japan, they were used as guard dogs due to their loud calls! "Tenugui" is often translated as "Japanese towel", but this translation fails to...
    ¥1,540
  • Tenugui with Rabbit Field Pattern, Blue (1054-B)

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    Tenugui with Rabbit Field Pattern, Blue (1054-B)

    "Field of Rabits"This beautiful patterns features rabbits in a field, combining beautiful colors. They make for an excellent New Year's decoration, souvenirs or gifts for anyone who has something to celebrate in 2023. The rabbit zodiac is thought to be...
    ¥1,320
  • Rienzome Tenugui Cloth with Rabbit Field Pattern, Green (1054-G)
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    Tenugui with Rabbit Field Pattern, Green (1054-G)

    "Field of Rabits"This beautiful patterns features rabbits in a field, combining beautiful colors. They make for an excellent New Year's decoration, souvenirs or gifts for anyone who has something to celebrate in 2023. The rabbit zodiac is thought to be...
    ¥1,540
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  • Tenugui with Rat on Bell Pattern (112) *last items*
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    Tenugui with Rat on Bell Pattern (112) *last items*

    Nezumi. Nezumi in Japanese is "Mouse" or "Rat". 2020 is the Year of the Rat, and so Rienzome has designed several adorable patterns to celebrate this zodiac. These rats are portrayed with a Japanese traditional bell and are said to bring good...
    ¥1,650
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  • Rienzome Tenugui with Red & White Nadeshiko Flowers (990) *last ones*
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    Tenugui with Red & White Nadeshiko Flowers (990) *last ones*

    Tenugui are thin Japanese cotton hand towels. They are generally 35 by 90 centimeters, plain woven and usually have a specific pattern or image. They are very versatile and are therefore make very popular gifts and souvenirs. Traditionally, tenugui were...
    ¥1,320
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  • Rienzome Tenugui Cloth with Red Autumn Leaves (278)
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    Tenugui with Red Autumn Leaves (278)

    Autumn Leaves. With Hanami, the Sakura Blossom viewing, in summer - the Japanese do "K??y??" in autmun; watching the beautiful scenery all over the country as the autumn changes the color of the leafs. It makes for a beautiful pattern, often seen on...
    ¥1,650
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The edges of tenugui are not hemmed. The raveling edges allow the cloth to be wringed and dry better, and the raveling will stop by itself.

 

As the tenugui are hand painted and reliant on weather conditions , temperature and humidity, even tenugui painted at the same time will differ slightly in print and intensity.