Chestnut Tenugui Hand Towel

This playful tenugui (hand towel) motif features silhouettes of chestnuts, an auspicious nut in Japanese folklore. Chestnuts symbolize good fortune and prosperity, and are often featured in New Year’s decorations for that reason. The cheerful yellow background on this towel also brings brightness and warmth to your kitchen.

These fabrics are created using Chusen dyeing, a crafting technique unique to Japan. The Chusen dyeing process is carried out entirely by skilled artisans, and it involves carefully infusing dyes into the fabric by hand.

Unlike machine printing, this traditional method allows the fabric to be beautifully dyed on both sides. Because each piece is handmade slight variations in color intensity and motif placement result—making every piece a unique work of art. The richly colored dyes are best preserved with gentle hand washing, avoiding harsh chemicals or bleach. Durable yet soft Chita cotton is chosen for the material due to its excellent absorption and quick-drying properties. Versatile and functional, tenugui can be used not only as kitchen towels or tablecloths but also for wrapping bento boxes and much more, making them a practical and elegant addition to any household. These artisan-made kitchen towels are part of a complete set on JOC Goods—each featuring a different themed motif in various colors.

Please Note: Pre-washing traditional Japanese hand towels (tenugui) is essential to prevent color bleeding and soften the fabric. To care for your tenugui, hand-wash it in cold water without detergent, rinsing it multiple times if necessary. After washing, air-dry the tenugui in the shade to preserve its vibrant colors. It is also recommended to store the tenugui away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration. Following these steps will help maintain its beauty and durability over time.