Tenugui Towels with Cherry Blossoms: Design Excellence in Daily Life

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In celebration of spring 2026, with Cherry Blossoms as a main theme, along with related Ukiyo-e woodblock prints, this colourful exhibition demonstrates the endless creativity in Tenugui.

Tenugui are towels made of bleached cotton, approximately 34 cm wide and 90 cm in long. The word literally means “a hand wiping cloth.” In the 17th century, when the production of cotton increased dramatically in Japan, people benefitted from the rich supply of cotton cloth for use in their daily lives. Individual towels were used for a remarkable number of purposes not only for wiping and cleaning, but also for wrapping and wearing, and even as advertising tools.

To meet the various needs of special occasions throughout the seasons and the individual personalities of each owner, the Japanese developed a wide range of designs on the surface of the cloth. In the Meiji period (1868-1912), under the influence of the Western Industrial Revolution, the production of Tenugui entered a new era. The invention of Chūsen, an innovative dye-pouring technique, resulted in increased productivity and widened design possibilities, allowing designers to incorporate multiple colours and sensitive shading. These new techniques were applied to traditional designs borrowed from the fashion world of Kimono and theatre costumes as well as newly invented ideas. Some are elaborate while others are transparently simple.

Narrowed to a width of 34 cm and focused on the viewpoint of cherry blossoms, one can expect to still see wide-open and spectacular views.

Reservation - Highly Recommended:

We strongly encourage all patrons to book a visit prior to arrival. Depending on how busy the space becomes, entry may be limited at the discretion of the staff.

To make your visit even more comfortable, we will have hand sanitizers and face masks available for your convenience.

We deeply appreciate your continued support and understanding.

The Japan Foundation, Toronto

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