"Chusen Tenugui" Cotton Towels

Japanese cotton towels, Tenugui, first appeared in the 8th century Nara Period and were originally used to polish sacred objects at shrines and temples. The towels became a popular household item, used as washcloths, dishcloths, headbands, scarves, or carrying bags. Ukiyo-e paintings show various uses of them. The towels, printed with names of popular Sumo wrestlers and Kabuki actors, were used just like fan T-shirts to show patronage.

"Chusen" is what dyes the cotton front and the back equally. Because of this superior quality, Kabuki actors wore "Chusen" yukata (cotton kimonos) to show "I don't have front or back" meaning "I am not hiding anything. I am showing who I am on stage". Many of the designs are Kabuki actors' originals.

Today, they are still used in Japan widely, however, the true "Chusen" artists are few nowadays. "Chusen" is different from a mass-produced factory made towels. It's made in a traditional way and dried under the sun for over a month and therefore, each batch is unique. Its production requires time and skill. "Chusen" color fades and it adds character over time. They are often made into Happi, festival uniforms, or hairbands showing to which regional team you belong.

• Enjoy these practical towels with traditional designs adored over centuries.
• Many festivals and events are being canceled due to COVID-19 throughout Japan.
• Makers of these fine artisan towels are suffering right now.

Contact us for more branding options for your corporate events and client gifts.

Made in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, distributed by Women Owned businesses Atelier Ishikawa and imported by IBS. IBS is a Boulder based business.

*Care Handwash recommended. If machine wash, cold wash separately with gentle cycle. First few times, the dye, especially blue indigo color will come out. Hang dry. If the end fringes, trim with scissors. 100% cotton.

Atelier Ishikawa Original Designs

These are some examples of Nihonbashi Atelier Ishikawa original design towels. Size can slightly vary because it's cut by hand but typically they are 3 feet x 1 foot. Pure cotton.

TORA Cotton Towel

They are dyed by order. It will typically take 4 to 6 weeks because they are air dryed and the climate affects its yield.

The logo can be added.

One batch yield about 100 towels.

For the "Your Logo" area, please send .jpg to us. Type set fee is additional

Red with Golden Dragon

Ryujin is the original design of Atelier Ishikawa and it has been very popular. It's dyed in stark red with golden dragon.

Gold with Black Tiger, Black with Golden Tiger

2022 is a year of Tiger.

Tenugui is commonly used for "nenga", a gift to celebrate a new year with friends and family. Please consider giving this traditional gift for your client. This will bring them joy. Due to COVID-19 canceling many festivals and events, Nihonbashi artists are suffering. By ordering them, you are contributing reviving this dying art.

TORA Cotton Towel - Nenga (New Year Gift) Package Sample

We can wrap each towel with a paper Noshi (wrapping) like this one below. Fee is additonal.

Dragon Pattern Shirts

We can offer shirts in two patterns.

Indigo blue dragon in a wave and Golden dragons with red.

Please contact us for more details.

Typically free size but the sizes can be discussed.

 

Contact

Many more designs and colors. They are great gifts for your clients, family and friends. Bulk (100+) and non-cut material are also available. Custom designs can be discussed.

Please contact Tae House of IBS for more details.

Tae House: t_tachibana@ibsjapan.co.jp