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Rienzome

Rienzome Hokusai Manga Tenugui and Display Rods Set

Rienzome Hokusai Manga Tenugui and Display Rods Set

$59.00 USD
$59.00 USD
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Only 3 left in stock

This tenugui from Rienzome brings to life the playful spirit of Hokusai’s sketchbook studies—humorous figures captured in bold indigo on soft cotton. Each character is rendered in the unmistakable hand of the ukiyo-e master, originally drawn as part of his “Hokusai Manga” series in the early 19th century. Hand-dyed using the traditional chusen method, the design permeates the fabric front and back, giving it a depth that printed cloth cannot match. Whether displayed as a scroll, framed as art, or used in daily life, it offers a quiet glimpse into the wit and humanity of Edo-period Japan.

Includes Hinoki Cypress Display Rods for effortless, elegant presentation.

Detail

Tenugui
Size: W 14.6in x L 38.6in / W 37cm x L 98cm
Material: Cotton

Display Rods
Size: W 16.1in x D 0.8in / W 41cm x D 2cm
Material: Japanese Hinoki Cypress

Care ＆ Use

  • Wash separately in cold water with a mild detergent.
  • Due to traditional chusen dyeing, some color may transfer with friction or perspiration during initial use.
  • Do not soak.
  • Line dry to help maintain color and shape.
  • Expect some fading and slight shrinkage over time.
  • Color may vary depending on your display or lighting conditions.
  • Natural aromatic oils from the hinoki cypress, such as α-pinene, may occasionally surface. This does not affect the item’s quality or safety.
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A legacy in cloth: the quiet artistry of tenugui

Tenugui are more than just cloth—they are a window into centuries of Japanese life and aesthetics. These long, flat cotton towels have been part of everyday culture since at least the Heian period, initially used as ritual offerings and later evolving into daily essentials for bathing, wrapping, and adornment. Light, absorbent, and versatile, tenugui gained widespread popularity during the Edo period, when advances in dyeing techniques allowed for an explosion of regional patterns and personal expression.

A defining feature of traditional tenugui is the chusen method, a hand-dyeing technique recognized as an official traditional craft. In this labor-intensive process, artisans use carved stencils and layers of resist paste to control the flow of dye, which is poured onto folded cloth. The result is a rich, seamless coloration that permeates front and back—unlike printed fabrics—ensuring longevity in both beauty and function. Chusen allows for subtle gradients, crisp lines, and vivid contrasts that elevate tenugui from humble utility to collectible art. Today, these cloths continue to reflect the evolving spirit of Japanese design, linking history with modern use in a form that remains beautifully simple and endlessly expressive.

Brand History

Founded in 1872 in the Nihonbashi district of Tokyo, Rienzome has carried forward a legacy of tenugui making for over 150 years. Known for their mastery of chusen, a designated traditional dyeing method, the brand specializes in hand-dyed cloths with no front or back—each side equally vibrant. At the heart of Rienzome’s philosophy is a creative tension: “classic motifs reimagined with modern color, modern ideas rendered through traditional technique.” Rather than replicating the past, the brand seeks to reinterpret it—bringing new relevance to inherited forms. Every piece begins with careful design planning that anticipates how the dye will flow through stenciled patterns, followed by hand-carved templates and a meticulous dyeing process managed by skilled artisans. From fabric folding to color separation and final rinsing, each step honors the precision of handmade work. Rienzome’s tenugui are more than souvenirs or textiles—they are a continuing expression of Japanese craft, shaped by time and modernity alike.