“Tenugui and Klut” - The second episode “Tenugui meet Klut”

How amazing these photos are! We got a letter and photos from The Osterlens Museum in Sweden.
They had an exhibition called “Tenugui and Klut”, about meeting between the Japanese Tenugui and the traditional head garment “Klut” from the south of Sweden.
The exhibition arrangement was based on an idea by a Japanese artist Takao Momiyama and his wife Gunnel Momiyama Petterson who live in Sweden and presented to the Osterlens Museum. At the opening ceremony at the museum, all visitors had a chance to meet Tenugui and wearing it, then took their pictures in many different ways. We could see some influence from their tradition, but also find evolve to new styles.
Thank you very much for sharing with us the beautiful creation “East meet West”.


An Eco-bag for YOU!


wuhao original shopping bag with original mame-shibori
Thank you for the photo, Masae-san our dear wuhao Friend!

We know you care about saving our earth and environment for future generations. Here is our original indigo shopping bag for you and our earth!
The customer who spends $50 or more of Tenugui order at our on-line shopping, will get our original shopping bag for FREE! Our shopping bag is right size to carry supplies for a day or two, it will help to use fewer plastic bags that stores give you. As you know, the plastic bags are harming our beautiful grove… Let’s start to use own shopping bag and focus on Ecology. YES, still not too late!
Our Eco-bag campaign will be going on from now untill Father’s day. The first 15-customers who buy more than total $50 dollars of Tenugui at our on-line shopping, will receive our original indigo shopping bag for FREE. But only 15-bags are available, so please hurry and get your new Eco-bag!!!

New composition is here from The Gordon School. Please enjoy her crisp early summer Tenugui art!

The Gordon School - composition #10 – Picnic on a blanket -

“Picninc on a blanket”


I used the idea of a picnic for my tenugui becuase picnics give me a great feeling. You can enjoy eating and be stylish at the same time! I have designed a sandwich, drinks, dots and a picnic basket - I love the summery feeling of the colors.

 


Students artist wearing “Picnic on a blanket”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Sakura and Memorial in Washington DC

Hiroe and Ayumi - my two lovely friends

We had held two Sakura (Cherry Blossom) Events in April.
The largest Japanese Street Festival in the U.S. “Sakura Matsuri” was held on April 12 (Sat) in Washington DC. From time to time it rained a moment, but over 140,000 people came and enjoyed the Japanese Omatsuri (Festival) Spirits with gracious cherry blossoms. Thank you to all visitors who came and let us show you our Tenugui Art. We are so glad to be there and to have a chance to introduce to you Tenugui at the site.

And most of all… Thank you Hiroe and Ayumi - two wonderful dear friends - who work with me showing the beauty of Tenugui to everybody. I am sure I could not have done this without y’all…

Definately, we will return to Washington D.C. for the Sakura Matsuri 2009 with new blooming Sakura next year!


Ruri and Hiroe with wuhao uniform!

Our second collaboration with Sakagura Restaurant (211 E 43rd Street, NY, NY) was held on April 21st (Mon). We displayed our Sakura Tenugui for their OHANAMI SAKE TASTING 2008. All customers surely enjoyed selected feasts and sake under blooming cherry blossoms, and also Sakura Tenugui!


Sake bottle with petal Tenugui

Ohanami Sake Tasting 2008 Menu

SAKURA - Japanese believe it symbolized it one’s ideal life. Live like Sakura and go like Sakura - means “Flourish Life”.
We got a Tenugui order and a letter from John in January 2008. This is very personal, but I would like to put his letter on my site to remember and honor his great spirit.
He was a brave fighter and had a big warming heart. I will always remember him and his beautiful soul.
John-san… he gave me a confidence to my new life and made me feel I am doing a right thing.
I miss him very much…

John O’Conner - deceased April 28, 2008

Hello Ruri,

I received my Tenugui order and your gift yesterday and must say that I could not be more pleased. I bought these as gifts for my friends and now I see that I will need more for myself.

I do have a use for then as I am a kendo player. Unfortunately it remains to be seen if I will continue to play as, like your husband, I have cancer. It has been three years now since I was first diagnosed and was in remission for awhile until recently. I now go through chemo again and like it even less than the first time.
Right now my goal is to stop the spread as there is of yet no cure but I feel that a breakthrough is imminent.

I recently was invited to play on the seniors team for the Eastern U.S. Kendo Federation at the U.S. National championships in July. If I am healthy enough to do it I will wear one of your Tenugui.

Keep up the good work and keep you spirits high.

With best regards,

John O’Connor

New composition is here from The Gordon School. Please enjoy her beautiful Tenugui art!

The Gordon School - composition #09 – Flower -

“Flower”


I chose to use these designs on my Tenugui because they reminded me of Japanese Garden. The pretty colors and shapes seem to reflect both American and Japanese cultures.


Students artist wearing “Flower”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

mumbling date on May 06, 2008

A picture showing three traditional head garments from the shoutheast of Scania - Osterlen


A picture showing a married woman wearing the “klut” from Ingelstad and in full dress.

 

We got a letter from Sweden! The Osterlens Museum had an exhibition called “Tenugui and Klut”, about meeting between the Japanese Tenugui and the traditional head garment “Klut” from the south of Sweden.

I am personally very amazed to know about traditional connections between Japan and Sweden. We made three episodes from their letter and intoroduce you ”East meet West” Osterlens Museum’s artworks from our web-site; The First episode “About Klut” – The Second episode “Tenugui meet Klut” – and The Third episode “Traditional Corresponding Tenugui and Klut”. Thank you very much Osterlens Museum for sharing your wonderful compositions with us. Please enjoy “East meet West – Tenugui and Klut” from Sweden! 

First Episode – About Klut -

Until around 1850 married women in the southeast of Scania (Skane) always wore a “klut”, a kind of head garment. In the traditional agricultural society a woman’s hair was considered as a sexual symbol and should be covered. On and everyday basis a kind of head scarf was used but at special occasions, on holidays and such, the “klut” was decorated with a great amount of lace and embroideries. These garments were always made of white linen. The different areas had different style on the head garment. The biggest and most ornamented was the one that came from the Ingelstad district. Here the matron of the house had maybe as many as fifteen different kinds of “Klut”, the oldest one she wore when she cleaned out the chimney – that head garment didn’t stay white… Women commonly covered their head with a headscarf all the way into the 1960’s, and still do keeping the hat or scarf in church with influence of traditional extension.

New composition is here from The Gordon School. Please enjoy her adorable Tenugui art!

The Gordon School - composition #08 – Spring Cat -

 

“Spring Cat”


A precious pink flower with a sleeping cat is the perfect combination for springtime. The small red circle tops the design off! This Tenugui is dedicated to my mom for her love of Spring – and my cat for giving me inspiration.

 


Students artist wearing “Spring Cat”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on April 03, 2008

 

Kenshin-kai Keiko (Kendo practice) at Dojo in NY


A moment of silence - concentration

I love to see Keiko (Kendo Practice) and feel Kendo Spirit through their practice. I visited at Kenshin-kai New York the other day. One of our customer is a member of Kenshinkai and brought me to their Keiko. It was cold rainy day in early February, though their Ki-ai (the act of concentration) made steam on the windows with their full of energy. Respect, honor, concentration, discipline to their bodies and minds, and the appreciation of the principles of the Katana through Kendo Spirit that purified my mind from the negative thought and sending me the beautiful positive energy. Thank you very much Kenshin-kai for having me there and sharing the beauty of Kendo Spirit. And thank you very much for everything John-san. It means me so much sharing this beautiful moment together.

Kenshin-kai has practice each Tuesday and Friday. Please visit their web site http://www.kenshin-kai.com for more detail about Kendo and Kenshin-kai. 

And….

Thank you very much to Kenshi from all over the world for sending us letters and photos from England, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, Japan and of course America! The letters and photos from each of you that are always bringing me warming smile and surely brighten my day… Doomo Arigato!!!

New composition is here from The Gordon School. Please enjoy his bold Tenugui art!

The Gordon School - composition #07 – Providence Waterfire -

 

“Providence Waterfire”


Waterfire is a unique event in Rhode Island’s capital city, Providence. Braziers that rise from the river’s water, burn brightly while mysterious music plays in the air. Barges gondolas and moon light makes for a beautiful art piece. Many people come to enjoy the evening of fire, smoke and food.

 


Students artist wearing “Providence Waterfire”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on March 07, 2008

 

How to tie Tenugui? Adorable photo from The Gordon School .

 

We received adorable photos from The Gordon School! The pre-school students enjoyed the Tenugui in Mrs. Dumville’s class. Mrs. Dumville showed them how to wear, how to wrap.. And then all students have come up with many different uses for Tenugui – a bed for their pet, wrapping up a doll or toy, using Tenugui on the table, etc… I believe that the children are GEMSTONE. They have millions billions possibilities in their brain. Art and Music are very important education for them to discover their creativities. I hope that all children will be able to get more support for their education under any circumstance. And wish we could give more oppotinity to discover and provide their artistic talents.., They are our precious GEMSTONES…



Hug Me Salt and Pepper Shakers

Don’t miss this special campaign, first 10 – customers to purchase our Tenugui on-line before till this coming Valentine’s Day will receive Free Hug Me Salt and Pepper Shakers! We still have a few more left! Hurry up and send a sweet HUG to your Valentine!

The Gordon School - composition #06 – Accessory -

 

“Accessory”



My tenugui shows pictures of earrings, rings, and blacelets.

Jewelry is a favorite accessory of mine. When you put images of accessories on an accessory, like this Tenugui, it makes it much more unique!


 

Students artist wearing Tenugui design “Accessory”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on February 10, 2008

 

Thank you cards from the Gordon School, they are on my treasure boxes.


Tenugui museum in my kitchen, the most favorite place in the world.

 

I got handmade Thank you cards from the young artists of The Gordon School. It was the last day of year 2007, I found a package in front of my door just before ahead to my friend place. Sitting on the subway sheet and opened a package, it was a BIG surprise from them. Each of young artists used Origami and decorated by their own creations or drawing their own designs on the cards. Thank you all and Tori, sending me such a wonderful treasure. Last day of year 2007, I was on the subway with full of happy smile and the warming greeting…one of the best day of my life…

I love cooking, especially cook for someone very special. Chopping vegetables, sauté foods on the pan… The sounds of cooking, the aroma from delight dishes and love as a spice… perfect collaborations! I use Tenugui as a kitchen cloth or a place mat everyday. Because Tenugui dry fast and easy to wash by hands, not only that! They are all so beautiful. I have a special corner in my kitchen called Tenugui museum where is the most favorite place in the world now!

We made Tenugui Museum on our web-site also. Please enjoy the beauty of Tenugui at our Tenugui Museum.

 

The Gordon School - composition #05 – Cooking Time -

 

“Cooking Time”


My Tenugui is filled with images of the basic utensils that you need for cooking.

I choose this subject because cooking is important to me.


Students artist showing “Cooking Time”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on January 16, 2008

 

My name is Racotaro, and I am a Raccoon.

 


this is my room and I live with Kawauchi Family in Miyagi. Japanese Tatami mat and washi-paper screens are my favorite in this room. And also I have a tokono-ma (decorative alcove) in my room!

 

a Happy New Year to all!

My friend sent me these lovely photos (Thank you, Toni!) and I would like to share them with you in this special day. These photos are reminded me about peaceful country and heart warming Japanese New Year.

New Year is the biggest event in Japan; I would say same like Thanksgiving or Christmas in America. The family come home to celebrate New Year together, eat soba noodle (buckwheat noodle) New Years Eve to wish our long life as like soba (long noodle). And wait till mid-night to hear the “Jyoya-no-Kane” (Bell) from the Temple greeting New Year together. We do many of “Hatsu (first)” things on New Year’s Day. Like, “Hatsu-hinode” means “see First sunrise”, “Hatsu-moude” means “first visit to shrine or temple”, or like “Hatsu-warai” means “First Laughter”. We believe that starting the New Year with a smile is considered a good sign. I hope this lovely Racotaro will bring you a smile on this special day!

 

The Gordon School - composition #04 – Japanese Winter -

 “Japanese Winter”


This Tenugui shows a beautiful part of Japan and Asia - the unique bamboo that grows there. This is a scene of bamboo covered in winter snow with flying birds. The reversed pattern allows you to wear it any direction.


Students artist showing “Japanese Winter”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on Janyary 01, 2008

 

Rockefeller Center New York The tallest Christmas tree


My little Christmas tree “The night before the Christmas”

- The night before Christmas -

I would like to send y’all a short poem today for this special season.

 

It’s 4am now and I’m watching you sleep…

I’ve seen the sunset in the ocean in so many countries.

I’ve seen moutains kiss the sky in so many places.

I’ve seen desert’s sand glow from the sun.

I’ve seen the moon reflect it’s comforting watching over me from a mountain’s lake.

… but nothing in this world is as beautiful and as peaceful,

the sight of your face while you sleep…

The night before Christmas, you are the best gift from heaven.

 

Have a happy holiday season, and God bless you and your family…

 

The Gordon School - composition #03 - Winter in New England -



“Winter in New England”

Winter in New England is one of my favorite times during the year. I really like it when the seasons change.

The designs on my Tenugui show aspect of the season - snowflakes, muffins, ice skates and winter hats.



Students artist showing “Winter in New England”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on December 17, 2007

 

 

My favorite shop also with a bow! (at Rodeo Drive, LA)
I visited LA last week, blue sky and Christmas decoration, lovely collaboration!


The Christmas tree at Lincoln Center (New York, NY)
The most elegant Christmas tree in New York.

It’s a shopping time!

Please don’t miss this special campaign - Special Sales 15% off - Only ten days!

We are so excited to inform you that our new special campaign for this holiday season! The certain items are 15% off from our online shopping price during December 01 (Sat) till December 10 (Mon), 10-days only! Please check our online shopping catalog in our site for the sales items.

Message Card - Your message with Tenugui to your Family and Friends!

We take your message, and will arrange your message card for your order. It is very simple. Just write your message in the “add comments about your order” after check out your order in our online shopping. We will arrange a message card to your recipients with your order. So, you don’t need to go to the store to get a card, or even you don’t need to go to post offce to wait for long line as well!! We will save your money and your time!

And don’t forget our Free Shipping campaign for certain order also. Please find the more detail on Tenugui mumbling vol.08 about your Free Shipping.

 

Here is an another composition “Tenugui Project - Japanese Design” from The Gordon School (Providence, RI), Please enjoy her wonderful artwork!

The Gordon School - composition #02 - Shopping



“Shopping”

Shopping is a big part of my life- and I really enjoy it. My tenugui shows a flip-flop, purse, shopping bag and a dress. I think these items express shopping well because the shoes and dress are things you buy, the purse symbolizes the money you need and the bag is to hold everything.

Student Artist wearing “Shopping”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on December 02, 2007

 

The Gordon School (Providence, RI) Mrs. Dumville and her students


Their artworks


We got a letter from The Gordon School (Providence, RI) . I am so excited to showcase their projects on our web-site. This is the program in Mrs. Dumville’s class about “Japanese Design”. Their Tenugui show wonderful creativity by each student and it totally amazes me. I would like to introduce a new series on our Tenugui blog: their art program, Tenugui project and Japanese Design class. The first episode is the letter from Mrs. Dumville “Toni’s Tenugui Story”, which is a beautiful collaboration between Tenugui and The Gordon school art class. And also check out the composition “Trick or Treat”.

- The letter from Mrs. Tori Dumville -

“Toni’s Tenugui Story”

I vividly remember the first time I saw a Tenugui. As a participant in the 2007 Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund program for teachers, I had been given the honor to visit Japan for the first time. Eager to see an expansive view of the city at night, I walked from my hotel to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building and rode the elevator up 220 meters to the observation tower. June 13th at 10 in the evening, the city lights dazzled forever. But, my true inspiration would be found in the adjacent gift shop. Hydrangea blooms in colors of blue, gold and lavenders were crisply printed on pure white cotton. Folded and wrapped in acetate, it caught my eye and captured my imagination. Soon, I noticed a charming collection of assorted designs. What were these pieces of cloth? Opened up, I could see the edges were unfinished and the fabric quite soft and supple. I spent my first yen on three pieces - the hydrangea, a pattern of blue and white geometric forms, and a bold graphic design with zig zags and stripes in gray and red. It would be a while before I would discover the story behind these delightful textiles and the role they would play in my teaching. They were everywhere in Tokyo now. Men were wearing them in the Tsukiji Fish Market as they filleted tuna. In store windows, bottles of sake were wrapped in spotted cloth. My visit to the Open Air Architecture Museum provided me with some answers. The shop contained many marvelous pieces and a handbook about Tenugui.

When I returned home from Japan in early July, I was curious to know if anyone was selling Tenugui in the states. I happily discovered Ruri and her marvelous company, wuhao newyork Inc. I am grateful for her energy, enthusiasm and sincere interest in my desire to learn about Japanese culture and my work with students.

As an art instructor at the Gordon School in East Providence, RI., I designed a course this fall, called “Japanese Design” to expose students to Japanese aesthetics and culture. I introduced my middle school students to the tradition and craft of Tenugui. In the art studio, they were challenged to design a piece using images from American culture. Their individual Tenugui had to reflect their interests and experiences. Since I could not use the traditional Japanese methods for printing on fabric, I decided to teach them the technique of silk-screening. After they designed a repeat pattern, they cut our stencils to apply to screens. Students were asked to carefully select a color pallete, keeping in mind the theme and emotional quality of their particular design. The studio was filled with excitement, hard work and camaraderie as thirteen-year-old students experimented with ideas, inks and fabric to create functional art inspired by an ancient Japanese tradition. We hope you like these one of a kind Tenugui.

Toni Dumville

The Gordon School - composition #01 - Trick or Treat


The design for my Tenugui represents the stereotypical Halloween characters! A ghost, the devil, a bone and a skull are the usual suspects for classic costumes.


Student Artist wearing “Trick or Treat”

- to be continued…

From Ruri

Mumbling date on November 13, 2007