Japanese Tools Tenugui by FD Style

The FD Style range of items is a project by the designer Mitsunobu Hagino, which combines a sharp modernity in design, with the deep reserve of skills in making in the Tsubame-Sanjo region of Niigata.

This tenugui cloth, depicts some the designs in the range, and was made by the traditional dye works: Echigo Kamekonya. Active since 1748, this dye workshop uses by hand techniques including in this case, a ’tsugisome’ (‘poured dye’) style. It is based in Agano, adjacent to Tsubame-Sanjo.

Tenugui are all purpose items of fabric in Japan, used to wrap a bento box, as a towel around the head, as a table runner, or with myriads more quick applications. This one for example could be used as eco-friendly wrapping for the items of FD Style metalwork also available.

It is presented with the full Echigo Kamekonya logo (Echigo Kamekonya Fujioka Some Kojo) and kame (‘turtle’) character.

Tenugui typically lose a little colour when washed, but acquire a faded, homely feel.

This one is 88.8cm by 34cm, and made of cotton.