A Tenugui a Day - Tenugui Exhibition 2024

A Tenugui a Day
Tenugui Exhibition 2024

5 September - 5 November 2024

The Annual CIBI Spring Tenugui Exhibition is back!
A showcase of a hundred different tenugui patterns will be decorated throughout CIBI to celebrate the return of spring. Look up and admire the various designs and colours to find the tenugui that calls to you. Explore the vibrant array that will brighten up your day and inspire you.

Look up and smile!

Take a closer look in the Kamawanu workshop

-Making of a Kamawanu Tenugui-

An EVERYDAY tool, from traditional times to today

Versatile and practical, a tool for your everyday. Tenugui do not have a singular purpose; think of them as a partner in your day. Enjoy as a hand towel, personal ware, interior design, business card, wrapping, kitchen tool and beyond. Reusable tenugui is a gift from Japan’s cultural past aligned with today’s values. A much loved life cycle of re-purpose as your tenugui softens and dyes naturally fade through repeated use and subsequent washing.

CRAFT - Preserving the handmade

Tenugui is a standard length of cotton cloth, whose approximate measurements of 30 cm in width and 90 cm in length, take cues from the human body, the distance from your elbow to the end of one’s hand. The side length displays a selvedge edge while the shorter ends remain unfinished, a product of their production as the tenugui is cut from a large roll of cotton. Traditional hand dyed techniques are used to create both traditional and contemporary patterns and colours.

How to Use

TENUGUI

The ways of using tenugui is endless. Here are a few ways we like to make use of this versatile tool.

Decoration

Use it to decorate your space and admire the beautiful patterns and designs.

Wrap

A beautiful way to add a touch of colour to gifts (we can show you how). The best part is it can be used and reused.

Carry

Wrap bottles, bento box and even fruit to make it easy to carry.

Neckwear

Add layers to your outfit.

Headband

A great way to accessorise.

Bag

A colourful accessory for your bag.

Day-to-day at CIBI

Kato-San of Kamawanu believes that tenugui are a communication tool between
people, the different fabrics and patterns providing a conversation starter to its rich history in Japanese culture. We love how this simple fabric has become woven into cultural history as a simple tool that be used as part of everyday life. At CIBI, we try to demonstrate how tenugui can be incorporated and merge into our every day lives. It brings texture, colour and something additional to enjoyment of design, food and space.

My hot tip on Tenugui - is that it simply can be a part of everyday life! You might
use one at kitchen as a table wipe, wrapping your lunch box, or wear it as a scarf on your journey to work and
play.

Let this little fabric be part of your daily rituals and enjoy your favourite piece.

Zenta Tanaka
CIBI