Tenugui- Furoshiki: Amazing Japanese Cloths

Tenugui and furoshiki: tradition meets versatility!

Can you imagine a towel with countless uses that’s become an integral part of daily life? The Japanese have done just that with the invention of the tenugui! Alongside it, they also have the furoshiki, a cloth that’s not only beautiful and practical but also eco-friendly. Let’s dive into the fascinating and unexpected wonders of these two amazing cloths!

Tenugui: A Versatile Towel

Tenugui boasts a rich history, dating back to the 8th century when it was worn as a Shinto ceremonial headdress and used as a sweat cloth under the helmets of samurai. By the 16th century, the expansion of raw cotton growing areas made cotton a staple in Japanese life. What was once a towel reserved for the aristocracy became widely popular and was known as tenugui, with “te” meaning “hand” and “nugui” meaning “to wipe.”

Despite being just a thin, soft, rectangular cloth with simple patterns, tenugui quickly became an essential item for Japanese people from the 17th century to today. Have you ever noticed a towel wrapped around someone’s head like a headband in Japan, whether it’s chefs, cheerleaders, or festival participants? That’s tenugui! Durable, absorbent, and quick-drying, tenugui is not only used as a head wrap but also as a scarf, kimono belt, hot spring bath towel, household cleaning cloth, and tablecloth.

Pure white tenugui is indispensable in the tea ceremony, where the tea maker uses it to solemnly wipe the teacups. In the hands of a rakugo artist, tenugui, along with a fan, transforms into various objects, making their stories more vivid and captivating for viewers. Since the impressive exhibition held in Tokyo in 1784, tenugui has also become an artistic wall hanging with unique paintings and patterns. From that moment on, the imagination of tenugui designers has soared freely.

You’ll be even more amazed to know that, despite being simple and inexpensive, tenugui is not mass-produced by machines but is dyed entirely by hand. The Chusen technique, developed in the 19th century, allows 50 pieces of fabric to be dyed simultaneously while maintaining beautiful and delicate colors. This entire process is carried out with the characteristic Japanese care and meticulousness. The dye penetrates deep into the fabric fibers without stiffening the cloth, resulting in equally stunning patterns on both sides.

White cotton fabric lies obediently on the table. Hollow patterned wax paper is carefully stretched in a pressed wooden mold. A paste, mixed from seaweed, glutinous rice flour, and clay, is gently brushed twice over the mold. As the mold is lifted, the undyed part of the fabric is covered with paste, leaving the areas to be dyed pure white. Layer after layer of fabric is stacked on top of each other into a thick, heavy mass, then nestled in fine sawdust to get rid of excess water. 

When the fabric is put back on the table, the paste skillfully outlines the different colored printed areas to prevent bleeding. Dye bursts into action while the air tube under the table hums and pulls the dye down, allowing the fabric to absorb the colors evenly. The fabric is flipped over and dyed again. After being washed, the seven-meter-long tenugui hangs high, swaying gracefully in the wind. Once dry and neatly stacked, it meets the scissors, transforming into many small towels. 

If someone gifts you a tenugui, don’t be surprised if its two short edges are simply cut and unhemmed. That’s the traditional tenugui style, and the Japanese are quite adamant about keeping it that way. Honestly, I was a bit concerned it might fray. But with the Japanese perfectionism and centuries of tenugui experience, I quickly realized I was just being a worrywart.

When it comes to aesthetics and fashion, you’ll definitely be impressed. Tenugui showcases motifs ranging from traditional to modern, and even humorous and quirky designs. You can even create your own designs on the towel, as long as you order a sufficient quantity. Additionally, “each season has its own towel”: spring features many festival drawings, autumn is adorned with flying yellow leaves, winter brings dark and moody patterns, and summer bursts with bright colors, including delightful images of shaved ice.

It would be remiss if we forgot some special uses of tenugui. For example, it can prevent the cover of your precious book from fraying or curling. You can use it to exercise your arm muscles or hang a water bottle on your bicycle during a long ride. Your beloved dog will strut around with pride, sporting its stylish tenugui scarf. Japanese ninjas may use tenugui to strangle their opponents, while a Japanese thief might politely cover his face with it to avoid recognition. Have you come up with any unique ideas, too?

Furoshiki: Incredible Wrapping Cloth

Originally known as tsutsumi or “wrapping”, furoshiki was used to protect valuable items in shrines and temples. Over time, it also became a way to wrap clothes. By the 14th century, distinguished guests visiting the hot springs in Kyoto at the invitation of Shogun Ashikaga would often wrap their clothes in cloth printed with their family crest to avoid mixing them up with others. Thus, tsutsumi evolved into furoshiki, with “furo” meaning “bath” and “shiki” meaning “to put down”.

Unlike tenugui, furoshiki are square and come in various sizes, with the smallest measuring about half a meter and the largest over 2 meters. The four edges of the cloth are carefully hemmed, as furoshiki are often knotted and used to carry heavy objects. The materials used to make furoshiki are quite diverse, ranging from silk, cotton, and rayon to polyester and synthetic blends. Additionally, the two sides of furoshiki often have different patterns, or one side may be patterned while the other remains blank.

Today, the most important function of furoshiki is to wrap gifts. Big gifts, small gifts, easy-to-wrap gifts, tricky-to-wrap gifts—furoshiki handles them all with style and grace. You might need to brush up on your wrapping skills, but that’s part of the fun! In Japanese culture, gifts are always wrapped to show the giver’s appreciation, so whether it’s a bento box full of food, a ceramic vase, or even a giant watermelon, everything is carefully and elegantly wrapped in furoshiki. And let’s not forget, furoshiki itself is a sophisticated gift, with its patterns and seasonality adding an extra layer of thoughtfulness.

Lately, the ways to tie bags from furoshiki are multiplying like rabbits. You can create countless types of bags with just one furoshiki. A furoshiki shop in Japan even thoughtfully guides customers through 12 different ways to craft bags and aprons from furoshiki. If you’re headed for a picnic, your furoshiki can hold your snacks, then morph into a picnic blanket, and even serve as a sunshade. It’s like having a multi-tool, but much prettier! Plus, it’s reusable, helping to cut down on plastic bags and other non-biodegradable waste. Now, isn’t that awesome?

Tenugui and furoshiki are not just simple pieces of cloth but icons of Japanese culture, showcasing both artistry and practicality. Their unique designs, rich history, and versatility make them truly special. And let’s not forget their eco-friendliness – these cloths are the ultimate multitaskers and reusable, reducing our reliance on plastic and other non-biodegradable materials.

So next time you have a tenugui or furoshiki, get creative and use them in an elegant and unique way, while knowing that you’re helping the environment. One object, two joys – what a steal!

mlefood – Minh Le