ca. early twentieth century
50" x 45", 127 cm x 114 cm

What a great piece.  This yukata, a kind of casual, cotton kimono, is pieced together from tenugui towels which are made of unfinished, gauzy cotton cloth.

Tenugui are popular all over Japan as they are a kind of gift which doubles as an advertisement for businesses, for hotels and resorts--or as a souvenir from a tourist site.  Tenugui have many uses from being taken to the local sento or public bath, to being used to mop sweat in the hot summer months, or by sushi chefs who wear them rolled as head band.

This fabulous yukata is made from many tenugui and was worn well; note the large patch to the back of piece and the frays to the underarms.  It appears to be made from pre-war tenugui and is a really dazzling garment.

Very recommended.