The "Shiawase no Mon'yō" (Patterns of Happiness) series focuses on the "meaning of wishing for happiness" inherent in traditional Japanese patterns. It is an original design created in collaboration with textile designers for Fuwa Market.
One of the series, Nanten (Japanese holly), is a plant that has been cherished since ancient times as a talisman against evil and misfortune.
The auspicious motifs have been modernized to blend seamlessly with contemporary lifestyles.
✔ Dedicated craftsmanship: Each piece is carefully dyed at a dyeing factory in Kyoto.✔ Modern traditional patterns: Three types of patterns available in two colors each, offering a variety of choices.✔ Excellent practicality: Suitable for tablecloths, stoles, covers, and everyday use.✔ Perfect for high-quality gifts: Conveying special sentiments with "Patterns of Happiness."
The size of the tenugui (hand towel) is approximately 90 cm in length and 35 cm in width. It is almost the same size as a face towel, but its thin and compact form makes it easy to carry without bulk.
Made from 100% cotton, the fabric becomes softer with use, offering a gentle touch on the skin.
It can be used daily for wiping hands and face, wrapping, decorating, or tying, adding a touch of calming Japanese beauty to your life.
**Uses include:**
- As a towel or handkerchief: for drying hands or face, wiping dishes, or as a napkin.- Worn on the head or around the neck: to prevent sunburn or absorb sweat, styled as a stole.- For wrapping: to pack lunch, making mealtime more enjoyable, or for carrying PET bottles.- Dust protection: cover dishes or computers to keep dust away; also suitable as a book cover or tissue box cover.- As gift wrapping: stylish and eco-friendly wrapping for sweets, bottles, mugs, etc.- As interior decor: hang as a tapestry, frame as art, or use as a noren (doorway curtain) or curtain for privacy or room division.- Bag handle cover: wrap around handles for a stylish look or to hide contents in a basket bag.- As a tablecloth: spread on a table to add a decorative touch; also usable as placemats or coasters.- For travel: lightweight, easy to carry, quick-drying, making it convenient for trips.- As a collar (haneri): as a subtle accent at the collar when wearing kimono.- For gift envelopes (shugi-bukuro): the auspicious pattern makes it suitable for use even after giving, as a reusable gift wrap.
The charm of this product lies in its versatile use, supporting your daily life as a favorite item.
**The appeal of handcrafted dyeing:**
This tenugui is made from original fabric by Fuwa Market, with each piece carefully hand-dyed by artisans at a dyeing workshop in Kyoto.
The traditional techniques produce rich colors and unique textures.
Close-up images reveal the delicate layering of colors characteristic of hand dyeing.
Subtle gradations and bleeding enhance the handcrafted feel, creating a one-of-a-kind beauty.
Each piece is dyed meticulously, resulting in depth and warmth that cannot be achieved with simple printing.
The craftsmanship emphasizes Japanese beauty and traditional motifs, allowing you to appreciate the artistry and the meaning behind the patterns every time you use it.
Experience the warmth and texture created by skilled artisans firsthand.
**The wishes and prayers embedded in the Nanten pattern:**
**Protection against evil with Nanten**
Nanten, introduced from China during the Heian period, has long been valued as a medicinal plant to suppress coughs.
From late autumn to early winter, it bears shiny red berries, and its name, "Nanten," which sounds like "difficult to turn" (難転), is associated with the wish to "turn misfortune into fortune."
It is also believed to ward off evil spirits when placed at the entrance, acting as a talisman.
An encyclopedia from the Edo period states, "Planting Nanten prevents fires," and many households planted it in inauspicious directions as a fire prevention measure, protecting the safety of the home.
**Color options:**
- Warm red tone- Refreshing blue tone
Both colors are subdued yet distinctive, adding a subtle touch of Japanese elegance to everyday life.
*Please note:* Since the pattern is cut from large fabric pieces, there may be individual differences in pattern placement. Thank you for your understanding.
**Lineup of the "Patterns of Happiness" series:**
Fuwa Market offers six traditional motifs, modernized in design:
- Ginnan (Ginkgo) pattern (the shimmering ginkgo, believed to bring good luck)- Ichimatsu (checkered) pattern (stylish and traditional beauty)- Ume (plum blossom) pattern (symbol of health and longevity)- Seigaiha (blue ocean waves) pattern (symbol of endless prosperity)- Nanten (Japanese holly) pattern (protection against evil)- Matsu (pine) pattern (symbol of prosperity and longevity)
Choose your favorite pattern to brighten your daily life.
The "Patterns of Happiness" series features designs imbued with wishes from traditional Japanese motifs. They make elegant gifts for loved ones and evoke a refined sense of Japanese tradition.
**Ideal for:**
- Birthdays or Christmas gifts for friends and family- Mother’s Day presents expressing gratitude- Return gifts for White Day- Souvenirs for overseas friends- Lucky charms or small tokens of appreciation
Select your preferred design and introduce a touch of Japanese elegance into your everyday life.
**Product Details:**
- Size (approximate): 90 cm (35.43 inches) in length × 35 cm (13.77 inches) in width- Material: 100% cotton- Made in Japan (Kyoto)
**Supporting community and social connections:**
All Fuwa Market original products are carefully crafted by artisans in Japan, including Kyoto.
Additionally, some light tasks such as packaging and tagging are carried out in cooperation with "tomoni," a social employment support facility affiliated with the company.
https://tomoni-b.jp/
This collaboration was inspired by the experiences of the founder, Nishida’s family.
By participating in the manufacturing process, we aim to foster confidence and joy among users, providing appropriate work and compensation (wages).
Fuwa Market values a collaborative approach where "the craftsmanship of artisans and the hands of everyone involved come together to create the product."