Japanese Tenugui (手拭い ) Towel with Asana Celebration Creatures [Vintage]

"The name tenugui  手拭い in fact comes from the words hand and wipe, so perhaps you could say it’s the Japanese cousin of the handkerchief. As a lightweight handtowel, it is certainly an indispensible accessory in these hot summer days! However given the craftsmanship and history that goes into creating tenugui, using it just to wipe up sweat and spills feels a little wasteful!

Typically around 3 feet long and 1 foot wide, its shape makes it an excellent fashion accessory, worn as a headwrap, or head band. It is also perfect for gift-wrapping, and as a gift in itself. Japanese Tenugui can be used as a canvas for some fine artistry, which means they can also be hung up for view, tapestry style.

Historically it’s said that the tenugui was created during the Heian period, around a thousand years ago, which was a time of great cultural evolution in Japan. Tenugui cloths were originally considered luxury items, crafted from silk or fine cotton and hemp; however, as fabric production techniques evolved, tenugui became far more affordable, and their real everyday uses were explored, creating in the tenugui we see today." - Read more at JapanObjects.com