In the Heian period (AD 794 - 1192) TENUGUI was used as accessories in silk for Shinto rituals. Cloth was such a precious item that the use of the item was not widespread among the people during the Nara period (710 - 794). From the Kamakura period (1192 - 1333) on, it gradually became popular. In the Edo period (1592 - 1868) cotton began to be cultivated in various parts of Japan.TENUGUI in cotton became a necessary item for living as Yukata (Kimono in cotton).In the Showa period (1926 - 1989), a variety of associations were formed by people who love TENUGUI and such associations spread throughout the country with TENUGUI for daily necessities.Today there are many different colors and patterns of TENUGUI in cotton.The people use as tea towels in the kitchen,or handkerchief or towel or festival accessories.

Both ends of TENUGUI are simply cut off and left alone without stitching for drying easily and keeping clean in a hot and humid country here in Japan.
TENUGUI has frays on both ends and you can cut them with scissors.It will stop fraying when its ends become about 5 mm to 10 mm long.
TENUGUI will inevitably lose its colors.After several washings, however, some colors will not come off as much as they used to.
In spite of subsequent gradual loss of colors, you will come to enjoy its new texture and appearance.

100% Cotton
Wash with cold water and separately from other items.
Do not use chlorine bleach.

Shiko Munakata's Profil
Shiko Munakata,woodblock printmaker,born on September 5, 1903.He is associated with the Sosaku-hanga movement and the MINGE (folk art) movement. Munakata was awarded the "Prize of Excellence" at the Second International Print Exhibition in Lugano, Switzerland in 1952. He was awarded the Order of Culture, the highest honor in the arts by the Japanese government in 1970.Passed away on September 13, 1975.