Tenugui (手拭い) , litterally “hand (te 手(て)) wipe (nuguう 拭う (ぬぐ))”

A tenugui is a thin Japanese hand towel made from cotton. Typically, tenugui are about 35 by 90 centimeters (14 by 35 in) in size, plain woven, and almost always dyed with some pattern. Usually the long sides are finished with a selvage, and the short sides are just cut and so soon show some fraying.

Tenugui may be used as wash- or dishcloths, headbands, souvenirs, decorations, or for wrapping bottles and similar items. These days tenugui are popular as souvenirs, decorations

Within the context of kinbaku a tenugui is typically used as gag or blindfold.

 

Tofugu on tenugui | Buy tenugui