ca. mid twentieth century
44 1/2" x 48", 113 cm x 122 cm

This charming woman's yukata, or unlined, casual cotton kimono, is hand sewn from a collection of cotton tenugui towels.

Tenugui are unfinished, lightweight cotton pieces that are printed with a pleasant design or pattern.  Tenugui are ubiquitous in Japan as they can be employed in so many ways, usually as a kind of headband (think of the sushi chefs you have seen) or for use as hand towels, etc.

Often tenugui are given as token gifts from a business to a customer; they may be issued at a certain local matsuri or festival, or they can be purchased as souvenirs from a tourist area, shrine or temple.

Note the charming images on the tenugui which are highlighted in the accompanying photos: the face peeking through a crack in a sliding shoji, a mouse interfering with a group of young men in a ritual of strength, some thatched huts and the charming face of a country lady, and the rising steam symbols, which indicate a public bath.

Please do note that there is some  slight, brown discoloration to the tenugui on the proper lower left, shown in detail photos.  It seems to be part of the original tenugui and not an accident of having been worn.

Very recommended and in very fine shape.