Tenugui - Ume Flower (Flower of a Japanese Apricot Tree)

Ume Flower O\(Flower of a Japnese Apricot Tree)
Ume was brought from China during the Nara period (710-794), and it has been loved in Japan not only its flower but even branches. Ume is selected as the national flower of Japan. Ume varies in its varieties of designs and expressions. Especially in Kimono textile, ume is highly valued.
Tenugui have their roots deep in Japanese history. Originally used as part of decorative fashion, tenugui later became part of daily life, being used around households and as general purpose cloths. Over time, the style, color, and even dying process has developed into what it is today. These pieces of cloth are hand dyed, using natural dyes. They should be washed in cold water with no detergent separately from other items. Over time, the color of these will fade a bit. This is something that Japanese people love about tenugui. These fun and artistic "pieces of dyed cotton cloth" can be used for anything from wiping off your hands or knife, to wrapping up your knives for storage. They even make good bandannas. *Wash in cold water separate from other items. Hang to air dry. Color will fade a bit over time. The edges are unfinished and will tend to unravel for about 3-5mm. Don't pull loose threads (use scissors to cut them if they are a nuisance).