Ginko-Nijiyura tenugui collaboration
Ginko Fine Art is proud to present a range of Japanese tenugui fabrics and associated products by Osaka-based brand, Nijiyura. Nijiyura tenugui cloths are hand-made using the traditional chusen dyeing technique. Chusen combines aspects of screenprinting and batic and involves the application via a washi paper stencil of a resist made from a mixture of mountain clay and seaweed. The cotton cloth is then dyed using a range of traditional pigments. This process lead to much more delicate and subtle tones and colours than silkscreen printing or other dyeing processes and means that each piece of fabric is unique.
In March 2009, Christopher McHugh collaborated with Nijiyura to create two limited edition tenugui designs. The Shoal design, pictured being dyed below, is based on a series of etchings and installation work.
Folded tenugui designed by Christopher McHugh
How to make a tenugui
Applying the resist to the cotton fabric through a washi paper stencil, photo courtesy of Nijiyura 2009
Using the resist to isolate different colours, photo courtesy of Nijiyura 2009
Applying the colour, photo courtesy of Nijiyura 2009
Drying the dyed fabric before cutting into tenugui cloths
How to use tenugui
Tenugui were traditionally used as flyers to advertise kabuki performances. Blending pop culture with traditional craft, today tenugui are seeing a resurgence and are being used as wall hangings, eco-friendly reuseable wrapping cloths, scarves and bandanas, or as sub-units to make various accessories and interior items like bags, cushions and placemats. As the fabric is available in 30 metre long rolls, they offer considerable flexibility.
Tenugui are extremely versatile and are here seen in the form of bags, wrapping cloths and wall hangings.