Tenugui Towel - HADO Project - MADO PRINT

$33.00

“Work by Hands” from the HADO Project

“Work by Hands” is a project that we, the HADO team, started with young artisans. This project rests upon the spirit of craftsmanship.

Tenugui: Description and Uses

Description

A tenugui (手拭い) is a traditional Japanese hand towel made from a single layer of thin, woven cotton fabric. It typically measures around 35 cm × 90 cm (13.5 in × 35.5 in) and is often dyed using traditional methods, featuring patterns ranging from simple geometric designs to intricate motifs inspired by nature, folklore, or seasonal themes. Unlike Western towels, tenugui lack hems, allowing them to dry quickly and making them easy to fold and store. Over time, the edges naturally fray, which enhances their softness.

Uses of Tenugui

Tenugui are highly versatile and are used in various aspects of daily life, culture, and craftsmanship:

  1. Personal Care & Hygiene – Used as a hand towel, face cloth, or sweat rag, especially in hot weather.

  2. Gift Wrapping (Furoshiki Style) – Can be used to wrap gifts in an eco-friendly manner.

  3. Fashion & Accessories – Worn as a headband (hachimaki), scarf, or bandana, particularly in festivals and martial arts.

  4. Kitchen & Dining – Used as a kitchen towel, tablecloth, or even a placemat.

  5. Craftsmanship & Work Use – Worn by artisans, sushi chefs, and craftsmen to keep sweat out of their eyes.

  6. Decoration & Art – Framed or hung as wall art, adding a touch of Japanese aesthetics to a space.

  7. Souvenir & Collectible – Many tenugui feature regional or brand-specific designs, making them popular souvenirs.

  8. First Aid & Utility – Can serve as a makeshift bandage, dust mask, or wrap for small injuries.

Due to their lightweight, durable, and quick-drying nature, tenugui remain an essential part of Japanese culture, blending practicality with artistic expression.

Color:

“Work by Hands” from the HADO Project

“Work by Hands” is a project that we, the HADO team, started with young artisans. This project rests upon the spirit of craftsmanship.

Tenugui: Description and Uses

Description

A tenugui (手拭い) is a traditional Japanese hand towel made from a single layer of thin, woven cotton fabric. It typically measures around 35 cm × 90 cm (13.5 in × 35.5 in) and is often dyed using traditional methods, featuring patterns ranging from simple geometric designs to intricate motifs inspired by nature, folklore, or seasonal themes. Unlike Western towels, tenugui lack hems, allowing them to dry quickly and making them easy to fold and store. Over time, the edges naturally fray, which enhances their softness.

Uses of Tenugui

Tenugui are highly versatile and are used in various aspects of daily life, culture, and craftsmanship:

  1. Personal Care & Hygiene – Used as a hand towel, face cloth, or sweat rag, especially in hot weather.

  2. Gift Wrapping (Furoshiki Style) – Can be used to wrap gifts in an eco-friendly manner.

  3. Fashion & Accessories – Worn as a headband (hachimaki), scarf, or bandana, particularly in festivals and martial arts.

  4. Kitchen & Dining – Used as a kitchen towel, tablecloth, or even a placemat.

  5. Craftsmanship & Work Use – Worn by artisans, sushi chefs, and craftsmen to keep sweat out of their eyes.

  6. Decoration & Art – Framed or hung as wall art, adding a touch of Japanese aesthetics to a space.

  7. Souvenir & Collectible – Many tenugui feature regional or brand-specific designs, making them popular souvenirs.

  8. First Aid & Utility – Can serve as a makeshift bandage, dust mask, or wrap for small injuries.

Due to their lightweight, durable, and quick-drying nature, tenugui remain an essential part of Japanese culture, blending practicality with artistic expression.

Each piece is hand-dyed by young craftspeople:

The concept of HADO is "the spirit of craftsmanship.”

Collaborating with young craftspeople who have the same spirit, we started a project that was named "Work by Hands."
We want to spread the fun of handmade crafts with people who think and make using their hands.

"Tenugui" (a traditional Japanese handtowel) that was born through this project. The design is hand-drawn the fabric is hand-dyed in a traditional way of dyeing in Sakai city.

Watch the dying process video HERE