The Kenema Tenugui Black Daruma is a hand-dyed Japanese cloth featuring a bold, expressive pattern of daruma dolls on a black background—symbols of resilience and goal-setting in Japanese culture. The deep gold-on-black motif is eye-catching and spiritual, drawing from traditional imagery while maintaining a modern minimalism. 

Crafted using the chū-sen dyeing method, this Tenugui is dyed by hand in a process that allows the colors to penetrate evenly through the cloth. Each piece carries the slight variations and softness that come from traditional handwork, making it both practical and artful.

Whether used as a towel, wrap, or display, the Kenema Black Daruma Tenugui brings a sense of strength and tradition to any setting.

What Is Tenugui?

The oldest Tenugui was found in an ancient tomb dating back to AD 300. It became popular among the common people when samurais started using Tenugui under their kabuto (helmets) to absorb sweat from the Kamakura period to the Edo period. During the Edo period, Tenugui gained widespread popularity, and people became interested in their designs. Women used them to wrap their hair, Kabuki actors and sumo wrestlers made personalized Tenugui as business cards, and samurais used them to wrap their swords. Tenugui remains a beloved part of traditional Japanese culture and is still appreciated today.

How To Use Tenugui

Tenugui can be used in many different ways. Here are some suggestions:

• Use as a towel, cover, or bandana.
• Use to wrap items such as glass bottles.
• Use to wrap greeting cards or presents.
• Hang on the wall as an interior decoration.
• Use as a sheet when having a picnic outdoors.

Care Instructions For Tenugui

The cloth becomes softer the more you use it, and water absorption also improves.

The ends of Tenugui are not sewn, allowing them to dry easily and quickly when hung (it is recommended not to use a dryer).

Because Tenugui can become discolored easily, please wash your hands often when first handling a Tenugui.

Use the Tenugui only after it has completely dried.

Details

• Size: Approx. 35 x 90 cm
• Material: 100% cotton
• Technique: ChÅ«-sen dyeing
• Note: Due to hand-dyeing, slight bleeding and variation may occur. Each item is unique.
• Made in Japan