Naoe Kanetsugu – Ai Samurai Hand Towel

Samurai Hand Towel -“Ai”- Symbol of Naoe Kanetsugu

Size: Horizontal 34 × vertical 100 cm Weight: 300 grams

Materials: 100% cotton

Copyright credit ©Kensin

Product Information and Details

Atago Gongen is a War God, so having the symbol acted as a form of protection. This Kami, or God, is a Japanese deity believed to be the local symbol of the Buddhist Bidhisattva, Jizo.

Worship practices occurred on Mount Atago, Kyoto, and Atago Gongen was a protector of fire. Throughout the country, there are about 900 Atago Shrines in Japan. In ancient Asia, people believed that the clouds were Chariot of Gods. They claimed that dragons coiled these chariots for protection.

This hand towel is an original Tenugui that is popular as gifts or decor. It is handmade by skilled Japanese artists who use the classic methods from the Edo era.Based on history, the Tenugui was first created in the Heian period. It was about a thousand years ago, the time of great artistry and cultural evolution in Japan.

The Tenugui cloth were considered as luxury products often crafted from silk. Sometimes, it was also made using hemp and fine cotton. As the creation of fabric evolved, the Tenugui became more affordable and could be an item for everyday use.

The hand towel measures 34 x 100 centimeters, weighs 300 grams, and is made from 100% cotton.

Hand-painted and hand-washed by Edo Craftsmen

Edo craftsmen used to hand paint Tenugui, carve molds and hand dye each one of them as well. For each piece, every texture that is present has different levels of color bleeding.

It is unlike commercial hand-printed products that are often hand washed. These are nice but do not bring out rich vibrant colors that have a nice finished texture.

Kensin©

Kensin© continues to pursue beauty and quality with the products that they produce. They aim to share the charm and arts from the Sengoku period, focusing on the Azuchi – Momoyama era.

This is because the Sengoku period left great influence on many fields of the arts and culture. These include fashion, tea ceremonies, art, architecture, literature, and more. They aim to display all the wonders and beauty of Japanese arts from the period. Sharing this to everyone from all over the world.

Proper Care for the Samurai Hand Towel

Avoid using detergent when washing the Samurai towel the first time. Use lukewarm water then have the colors settle while washing. Some of the colors like black, dark brown, or indigo, are a bit discolored at the beginning. This is normal so it shouldn’t be something of concern.

Avoid using dryers or shadow drying. Also, do not leave the wet cloth near other fabric since this can stain when wet.

Naoe Kanetsugu

Naoe Kanetsugu, was a resourceful general who supported the Uesugi clan. He defended the family after their defeat in Sekigahara, focusing on justice for the loss.

His skills and prowess were not only recognized by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Even Tokugawa Ieyasu noticed his greatness in battle. Yet Naoe Kanetsugu was only a vassal of the Uesugi. Yet aside from being a skilled warrior, he was also against all forms of injustice.

Naoe Kanetsugu first served as a Kosho (page) under Uesugi Kenshin. Due to his intelligence, he was soon turned into the chief advisor to the Uesugi clan. After the death of Uesugi Kenshin, a civil war broke out called the Otate No Ran. Here, Uesugi vassals, including Naoe, supported Uesugi Kagekatsu.

From then on, Naoe Kagekatsu served under Kagekatsu who was the adopted son of Uesugi Kenshin.