Tenugui Towel - Neko | Kamawanu

Rectangular, multifunctional cotton cloth with unhemmed edges

A tenugui is a traditional Japanese cotton cloth that has served various purposes for centuries. These thin, quick-drying cloths were originally used to wipe sweat and water from the face and hands or for washing the body when bathing. However, 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, bathroom, as a table runner in the dining room, or for wrapping objects, these soft, multifunctional cloths, patterned all over and on both sides, are a beautiful and practical splash of color in any home.

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 all the way through, 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.