A rectangle of cotton measuring 13 x 35." Pretty uneventful until you learn how it's used in Japan. Just to name a few: kitchen towel, napkin, hot pad, pot holder, or placemat; a gift wrap; a headband (hachimaki), neck towel, or bandana on a hot day; a safe place for glasses, a phone, or small valuables; or simply hung out to dry (they're nice to look at). For over 1000 years and going strong, few objects are as ubiquitous and useful as the humble tenugui.
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