 he tenugui, an item particular to Japanese culture, is a rectangular shaped piece of cotton fabric. Its name means: ?to wipe hands?. But how did such a simple piece of cotton become so particular to Japan? The secret lies in its versatility.
In the sensitivity of the Japanese, there is a certain tendency to make one object look like another - a certain flexibility to create different arrangements. The tenugui is probably the prime example of that. In the beginning, tenuguis were made of woven silk or linen, and served as accessories for religious use. When the cultivation of cotton eventually became more widespread about 400 years ago, tenuguis made of cotton fabric began to be used by common people in their daily lives. In those days, as most households did not have baths, people would go out and gather in public baths. A tenugui was obviously used to dry one?s body after bathing. It was also worn around the shoulders or neck to accessorize one?s outfit, worn over the head to protect against sunlight or dust, twisted and tied around the head like a headband to stir one?s fighting spirit up, used as a short split curtain, or even as a prop for Japanese traditional dance or Kabuki theater performances. The common people made use of their infinite ingenuity to find so many uses for this simple piece of fabric. Until about fifty years ago, they were found in any household, but as Japan became more and more westernized, the tenugui was gradually replaced by modern-day towels, and demand has been decreasing since then.
Eirakuya is a shop specialized in fabric dyeing that has been making tenuguis through the ages. The business was founded in 1615 and the current owner, Mr. Ihei Hosotsuji now represents the fourteenth generation of owners. In the time of its foundation, the business mainly produced silk, and was used to procure kimonos for Nobunaga Oda, the warlord from the country?s Age of Civil Wars. As cotton became more common, the store began to produce cotton kimonos, and eventually made tenuguis and towels as well.
About 20 years ago, Eirakuya brought back its classical tenugui printed patterns, which could be considered as the store?s most valued assets, and once more began to introduce the many uses of the tenugui. The shop is now all the rage among customers ranging from younger people to foreign tourists.
The reason for the store?s popularity is that the patterns of its fabrics are bold and original. The traditional printed patterns revived from 80 years ago especially have a distinctive Japanese atmosphere, making them attractive as textiles. Eirakuya pays special attention to producing brilliant colors that won?t fade. Also, in the store are displayed examples demonstrating the many uses of the tenugui as well as those of the furoshiki, a larger piece of cloth used to wrap things. Those latter ones are amazing, just like origami made of fabric. Just tying up one piece of cloth can instantly transform it into a bag, a tissue box cover, a wine bag and so on. You?re guaranteed to impress people back home once you show them the different methods of folding fabric you?ve learned. |
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Three examples of popular tenugui patterns.
From the left: 1,575 yen; 1,260 yen; 1,575 yen.
A 100% cotton flat-woven thin fabric. It is highly absorbent and dries quickly.
We recommend that you use it as a towel, as a tapestry, or as a table liner. |
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A display of colorful tenuguis.
You can have fun picking your favorite. |
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A view of the interior of the store, brightly lit, with neatly arranged products. |
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TEL: +81-(0)75-256-7881 FAX: +81-(0)75-256-7885
Address:368 Ennogyoja-Cho, Sanjo Agaru, Muromachi-Dori, Nakagyo-Ku, Kyoto
Available languages: English, Japanese
Website: http://www.eirakuya.jp/
Credit cards: VISA, MASTER, Diners Club, American Express, DC, etc. |
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