Pages

Thursday, March 6, 2014

Happines comes in a box: A gift from Japan


A dear friend who recently returned from his travels from Japan brought me a very special gift from the Tokyo National Museum. A traditional Japanese hand towel also known as tenugui.


Tenugui has raw unhemmed edges and comes with a leaflet showing numerous wrapping and folding techniques to create book covers, bread baskets etc.


It can also be turned into a neat little handbag using the enclosed faux leather handle.


Needless to say, that was by far my favourite folding technique :-)




For now I'm enjoying trying out the various different folding and wrapping ideas but I'm thinking of using the tenugui and the handle to sew a permanent bag.


6 comments:

  1. That is seriously cool! I've never heard of such a thing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kelly me neither :-) But as far as I understand the Japanese incorporate their philosophy of multifunctional use of objects via folding, draping, wrapping, etc. into every aspect of their daily lives.
      I find it very intriguing!

      Delete
  2. What fun! Totally new for me.
    You are going to have a v e r y special, unique bag!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. :-) And since spring is coming I can look forward to a long season of using it!

      xoxo Ana

      Delete
  3. Thank you for reminding me, what makes Japan special: they see the world with different eyes. I am glad, that we have Japan on this planet. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with you :-) my friend also sent me photos from his journey - he did a tour of Korea - Japan and it was so interesting to see the comparison between Korea and Japan as well as the comparison with "Western European" centered civilisation and values.
      Makes me appreciate travelling and people who are able to pass on their experience in a meaningful way!

      Delete