Fabric: Handkerchief

Handkerchief with Japanese Motifs

Included in Daily Life box, Visual Arts box, Festivals & Holidays box

• Description: Traditional Japanese hand towel, tenugui.  Although in use since the Nara period (710 – 794), they became popular amongst commoners during the Edo period (1603 – 1868).  Featuring various designs and patterns, they have become a popular collector’s item.  Made out of thin fabric that is smooth to the touch, they are used not only for drying one’s hands/body, but also as gift wraps, headbands, head wraps, place mats, scarves, and decorative displays.
  For more information, visit:   http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/indepth/exotic/JapanesQue/1310/tenugui.html

• Links
  • Colors and Patterns used in Traditional Japanese Cloth
  • Hand Towel
  • Video: Demonstrating How to Tie a Cloth onto One’s Head for the Martial Art of Kendo
  • About Japan’s Colors, Design, Motifs & Wabisabi
  • Family Crests

• Lesson Plans
  • Art of Japan – NCTA Ohio
  • Japanese Floating Lanterns – NCTA Ohio
  • Japanese Headbands – NCTA Ohio

• Standard Reference
  (If you know of another standard that may link to this item, please add it to the comment box below.)
  • Visual Arts:
    • Grade 6: 1PE, 3PE, 4PE, 1PR, 3PR, 4PR, 1RE, 2RE, 3RE, 5RE