Japanese Towel - Ichimatsu Check

Japanese cotton towel with an Ichimatsu chequered pattern, double-woven gauze and terry cloth

The chequered pattern that forms the design of this towel has a name: Ichimatsu, named after Sanogawa Ichimatsu, an 18th-century kabuki actor who took to the stage wearing blue and white chequered trousers. The public followed the trend, the pattern retained its name, and as the squares repeat in a hypnotic pattern, it came to be seen as a symbol of continuity and prosperity.

Here, the manufacturer fills each square with komon – those tiny, intricate patterns found on kimonos. A wealth of information packed into a 25 x 25 cm square: gauze on one side, short-pile terry on the other – perfect for drying your hands without taking up too much space in your pocket. A simple Japanese hand towel, ideal for those who prefer traditional, elegant and meaningful patterns.