Original design by ICHI HATANO
 
The Tenugui (手拭い), a simple yet beautiful craft from Japan dating from as far back as the 9th century, is a versatile towel that displays the Japanese dedication to the preservation of cultural hand-made crafts and the fusion of functionality and art. From Ichi's original ink-drawing based on traditional Irezumi style, the Tenugui are created through a multi-tier process whose final product exhibits the beauty of his personal design. Ichi's Hawk Tenugui is made in the Nassen (捺染) style similar to the silkscreen method except one needs to dye the fabric. The images of the hawk and pine tree are important classical Japanese symbols that exemplify strength and vitality.