Tenugui Towel - Tiles | Kamawanu

Rectangular, multi-functional cotton cloth with unhemmed edges

A tenugui is a traditional Japanese cotton cloth that has served a wide variety of purposes for centuries. The thin, quick-drying cloths were originally used to wipe sweat and water from the face and hands or for washing the body while bathing. They were also worn on the head to protect against cold, heat or dust, as well as an accessory at celebrations. Whether in the kitchen, in the bathroom, as a table runner in the dining room or for wrapping objects, the soft, fully patterned on both sides, multi-functional cloths are a beautiful and practical splash of color in every household.

Kamawanu was founded in Tokyo in 1987 and specializes in the production of tenugui. The cloths are dyed using the "Chusen" technique, which dates back to the Meiji period. With this dyeing technique, the fabric panels are hand-dyed so that the patterns are visible on both sides. Since its inception, Kamawanu has designed over 500 tenugui patterns, thus making an important contribution to the preservation and transmission of the traditional dyeing craft.