Tenugui (towel)

The tenugui, or towel, is among the most pervasive forms of art in Japan. A piece of unhemmed linen typically a yard long and a foot wide, these simple objects have historically been used as anything from headbands for Japanese theater performers to wraps for carrying bento boxes – and just about everything in between. The decoration varies just as widely, though the most traditional typically depict birds or flowers. This more recent tenugui, created in the 20th century, portrays two beautiful women in traditional kimonos. The use of these simple yet beautiful towels still continues in Japan to this day – they are typical introductory or housewarming gifts, and are found many places as souvenirs.