Tenugui

My Japanese mother-in-law collected tenugui. In her day, they were often given out as free advertising when a new company opened or to celebrate a landmark. She kept few possessions so the tenugui she collected over the years serve as memories of her and events in her life over the course of many years. I pull them out from time to time just to look at the craftsmanship that went in to the production of them. They are only about 90 cms in length and 30 cms in width, made of 100% cotton, and hand-dyed. With time, I collected my own  in a variety of colors and designs. In the past year or so, I've even purchased some that would scandalize my dear old mother-in-law if she knew what I spent for them!

The world knows of the triple disaster events that happened on March 11, 2011 in Japan. That was exactly 2 months ago today. The M 9 earthquake was felt in every part of Japan. I am fortunate enough not to live close to the epicenter of the quake or tsunami stricken area but that day my home suffered one small rather insignificant bit of damage. The kakejuku (hanging scroll) that had been hanging in our tokunoma (alcove), in our Japanese-style tatami room, swung back and forth so hard that the silk bottom of the scroll ripped apart from the weighted bottom, and was left hanging by a thread. It was an early purchase of mine in Japan in the very early 1980s when I had little money. I was sad to take it down as the design of 2 men traveling down a mountain stream always gave me a peaceful feeling to look at.

For now, I have hung one of my tenugui (Japanese cotton towels) in the place where the far more expensive hanging scroll once was on display. It gives a new look to the space.

I chose a summery patterned one from my collection but I may start hanging others from my mother-in-law's collection from time to time as the mood and season strike me because I like this new look.