KAMAWANU Chusen Hand Towel (Classic/Auspicious Pattern - Navy Blue with Dyed Bean Pattern) Product Number 6607347

Country of origin: Made in Japan / Material: 100% cotton / Pure fabric / *Due to hand-dyeing, color fading may occur. *Color transfer may occur when wet. *Do not leave wet. *When washing, please hand wash separately from other items. Size: Approximately 33cm x 90cm / *Please note that the color of the product may vary slightly depending on your PC environment. The meaning behind the design: This stylish pattern is a traditional bean-patterned design, a beloved motif for tenugui (Japanese hand towels) for centuries, finished with a background dye. The "beans" depicted in this pattern have auspicious meanings, as they are a play on words: "to live diligently" (good health and longevity) and "to work diligently" (business prosperity). The way the small circles are arranged regularly across the surface also symbolizes "prosperity of descendants" and "safety within the family," representing the family's continued success for generations. Within this somewhat nostalgic and familiar design lies a warm amulet wishing the wearer a healthy life and uninterrupted happiness. Kamawanu's tenugui (hand towels) are made with Sōri (textile) fabric. Compared to the Tokuoka fabric for illustrated tenugui, it has a coarser weave and is thicker. As a result, it has high absorbency and breathability, making it a practical tenugui. The appeal of Sōri fabric is that it gains character with use. There are two main types of tenugui fabrics: "Bun" and "Oka." Bun fabric is woven with thicker 20-count yarn, while Oka fabric is woven with thinner 30-count yarn. Because Oka fabric is made with thinner yarn, it has a finer weave, allowing for intricate patterns, gradients, and other detailed designs. Bun fabric, being made with thicker yarn, has a coarser weave compared to Oka fabric. However, it is more breathable and absorbent, making it suitable for use as a handkerchief or dishcloth. While its coarser weave means it can't express finer details as well as Oka fabric, it has the advantage of allowing you to appreciate the texture of the fabric. This is a lucky spring-themed tenugui (hand towel) featuring the word "kamawanu." The riddle combines a sickle (kama) + a circle (ring) + "nu" to spell out "kamawanu." A riddle is a puzzle in which you have to guess the word hidden in letters or pictures. "Kamawanu" means "I don't care" or "I don't care," expressing the spirit of Edo townspeople who would selflessly help the weak. Enjoy these various classic patterns imbued with such meaning.