As I've been writing in all of my recent blog posts (see Fashionable Flight Attendants on slice.ca and An In-Flight Lesson in Korean Cuisine on foodtv.ca), I recently returned from a month in Asia. And while in the Gion district (famous for Geisha sightings) in Kyoto, Japan I wandered into a shop specializing in Tenugui.
Pictured: Tenugui available from wuhao newyork inc.
Don't worry, I didn't know what they were at first either. According to wuhao newyork inc., a U.S.-based online Tenugui store, Tenugui (te=hands, nugui =wipe) are Japanese cotton hand towels. "These towels are not only for wiping your hands but also have a number of traditional uses and applications." They are used as head wraps (you've probably seen this in ninja movies), gift wrap, exercise and of course, art. (Learn more about Tenugui.)
I bought a black one with cream-coloured cherry blossoms and put it in a frame I've been meaning to fill for ages (above). You could buy a frame that fits the Tenugui perfectly (or have one custom-made) or you could crop your cloth like I did, choosing the most impactful part of the pattern. I've also seen Tenugui hung with bamboo or wooden textile hangers but I like the idea of a frame so the fabric is protected from sun damage, stains and absorbing odours.
Now let's get to the important part: Tenugui, whether you find them in a store selling Japanese goods in your town or buy them online, are totally inexpensive. On wuhao they range from $15 to $45 USD and on a site called Jun Gifts they start at $3.50 USD (but shipping is a little pricey). Also check out eBay stores that specialize in Japanese goods.