Frolicking Kitchen Goblins Tenugui

There was a time way back in Japanese culture, before our era of throw-away goods, that people felt deep guilt about getting rid of utensils and kitchenware. They called this ushirometasa, meaning "feeling someone's gaze behind your back," – this gaze was the spirit of the kitchen product being thrown away. These spirits and goblins of kettles, pots, and buckets, are immortalized in the drawings of this tenugui.

This quick-drying towel is woven in Kyoto and dyed, color-by-color, for an off-set look. Hang it on your wall for decoration or use in your kitchen to dry off dishes or hands.

A note on the edges

The short ends of tenugui are unfinished. This is intentional. Traditionally, tenugui are left unsewn on the short ends so they dry faster, and stay more hygienic. And historically they would be quickly torn into strips for use as bandages or ties in an emergency.

Because of this, a small amount of fraying on the short ends is normal and expected. It's a traditional feature, not a flaw, and it will stop on its own after the first few washes as the weave settles.

You can also snip or pull off the fraying strings if you prefer.

Features:

• Dimensions: 37.5"L x 12.5"W
• Artist: Anonymous from ca. 1850
• Material: 100% cotton
• Made in Kyoto, Japan