Horikoi Family Tenugui

Tenugui.


What is a tenugui? In the most basic sense, a tenugi is a piece of cloth, usually cotton, that can be used in countless ways.

The name tenugui  手拭い in fact comes from the words hand and wipe. Given the craftsmanship and history that goes into creating tenugui, using it just to wipe up sweat and spills feels a little wasteful and has become an uncommon practice in Japan these days.

Typically around 3 feet long and 1 foot wide, its shape makes it an excellent fashion accessory, worn as a headwrap, or head band. It is also perfect for gift-wrapping, and as a gift in itself. Japanese Tenugui can be used as a canvas for some fine artistry, it can be hung up for view etc.

Historically it’s said that the tenugui was created during the Heian period, around a thousand years ago, which was a time of great cultural evolution in Japan. Tenugui cloths were originally considered luxury items, crafted from silk or fine cotton and hemp; however, as fabric production techniques evolved, tenugui became far more affordable, and their real everyday uses were explored, creating the tenugui we see today.

The right screen printing Co. in Japan.


In honour of Sensei Kisaragi a.k.a. Horikoi 1st from Toyohashi Japan, his three remaining scholars, Gordon Claus (Second Generation Kisaragi), Lars Walkling (Horiyou) and Rick Wilson (Horioka), decided to go ahead with the idea of printing a family tenugui.

It was important to find a traditional japanese company to produce our tenugui. We found a company that was producing tenugui by hand. That company was Kiku.ichi.rin. All the designs are hand made, cut and put to print.  The decision was made and we went ahead with the process. Ideas were exchanged and then it was left up to the master to do his magic.

We are more than satisfied with the result. The new towel is a collaboration between Kiku.ichi.rin from Japan and our family.

Thank you very much for your hard work.

Tenugui for our clients.


The Kisaragi Tattoo Family Tenugui will not be for sale! It has been prepared for our clients and friends. We hand it out by choice to those for active achievement of large scale bodywork.

Keep your faith, Keep your smile.

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