KAMAWANU Chusen Hand Towel (Classic/Auspicious Pattern - Arare) Product Number 6920149

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 traditional pattern, which simply depicts hail falling from the sky and somewhat resembles the adorable rice crackers called arare, is easy for both men and women to use. The classic "arare pattern" is a very auspicious pattern that symbolizes "prosperity of descendants" and "abundant harvest (increased wealth)" as countless grains fall continuously from the sky. Its simple yet powerful continuous pattern embodies the wish that happiness and abundant harvests will be brought to daily life, and that the whole family will live in good health. 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.