In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<12. Cold neck scarf>
A small ice pack wrapped in a tenugui makes an easy cold neck scarf which is very useful on a very hot day. It could be used to keep one’s forehead cool when you have a fever by wrapping it around the head.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<11. As an oshibori (wet towel)>
Because the tenugui dries quickly, it can be a great choice as an oshibori. The origin of the word oshibori comes from the Edo era (early 1600s - mid 1800s). When a traveler arrived at a tavern, the innkeep prepared a washpot filled with water and a tenugui at the entrance for the traveler. The traveler then soaked the tenugui in the water and used it after he/she squeezed the water off (shibori in Japanese) to make a wet towel, which was later called “oshibori”.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<10. Wrap a gift>
Although tenugui was originally used as a gift and/or a giveaway item, it can also wrap a gift. A bottle of sake or wine wrapped with tenugui can be a great gift. Because the tenugui is reusable, it is also good for the environment.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<9. As a pillow cover>
Tenugui can fit any shape pillows. Wrapping a pillow with a tenugui is very simple and easy to take off to wash. Travelling with a tenugui and use it as a pillow cover can be another way to use the tenugui.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<8. In the kitchen>
Tenugui can be used not only to dry dishes and clean tables but also to wipe hands, cover meals, as well as a hot pad.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<7. Lunchbox cover>
Wrapping a lunch box with a tenugui gives an accent to a plain lunch box. Using different tenugui in different seasons could make lunch time fun.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<6. As a bathroom rug>
A triple-folded tenugui can be a nice bathroom rug. It is easy to dry because of its thinness. Adding a towel between folded tenugui provides extra feet comfort.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<5. For a basket cover>
Using a tenugui as a basket cover makes the basket look stylish. Tenugui can cover contents in a bag that do not have lids.
In Japanese history, the tenugui (Japanese towel) was originally used approximately between 700s and 1100s A.D. (Nara & Heian era in Japan). At that time, the tenugui was only available for people of high social status, because cloth was a valuable item. After the late 1100s (during the Kamakura era), the tenugui gradually became available to commoners. In the 1600s, when cotton farming developed, the tenugui, as well as cotton fabric, became a common item for people in Japan.
Since then, tenugui usage has expanded from as a simple towel to absorb liquid to as a gauze bandage and a gift and giveaway item.
Below are some examples of how to use the tenugui during modern times (with illustrations):
<4. As a han-eri (a detachable neckpiece for kimonos)>
A tenugui folded (two or three times) horizontally along the longer side becomes a perfect size as a han-eri. The cotton feels soft to the skin and it does not require dry cleaning.