[Handkerchiefs]
Handkerchiefs are believed to have existed as early as the Egyptian civilization around 3000 BC. A piece of decorated linen cloth, probably made of linen, has been excavated, suggesting that handkerchiefs were the possessions of persons of high rank during this period.
The square shape that is still common today is said to have originated in France in the 18th century, when Queen Marie Antoinette standardized it. Marie Antoinette was something of a fashion leader at court. Before then, handkerchiefs were variously circular or rectangular, decorated with embroidery, lace, or jewelry, and were like accessories for the nobility, competing with each other in luxury. In the midst of this, she disliked the fact that there are so many different shapes of handkerchiefs, and said that all handkerchiefs in France should be square. Then, in 1785, her husband Louis XVI issued a decree that handkerchiefs should be the same size horizontally and vertically. This is the reason why handkerchiefs are still square even today.
Originally, tenugui handkerchiefs were the mainstream in Japan. As cotton cultivation flourished in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1867), cotton fabrics like tenugui spread throughout the country and became an indispensable necessity for the common people, used to wipe their hands and as headgear in their daily lives.
Handkerchiefs became popular in Japan after the Meiji period (1868-1912), when Western culture began to enter Japan and people began to wear Western-style clothing. At first, handkerchiefs were precious and luxurious items that the general public could not afford to own. As time went by, however, the general public, who were familiar with tenugui handkerchiefs, began to use handkerchiefs for similar purposes, and they became indispensable in their daily lives.
How do you choose a handkerchief, as an accessory or for practical use? I used to collect my favorite patterns with a sense of fashion, but after I learned about the texture and usability of the genuine dyed tenugui handkerchiefs, I began to place more importance on the comfort of the material.
Ao's Colored Handkerchief is made of a single layer of gauze and is soft and fluffy. They are quick-drying and each of the six colors has a natural texture. They are popular as gifts because they look great with any outfit, regardless of gender, age, or occasion. The handkerchiefs are also attractive in that they blend in with fashion, even if they are visible in a pocket or bag.
Please visit our showrooms to see the texture of our handkerchiefs. The photo shows the Wakamatsu Showroom.
Ao's Colored Handkerchief
https://www.shokunin.com/en/ao/handkerchief.html
Showroom Information
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/
References
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%82%AB%E3%83%81
https://www.blooming.co.jp/product/handkerchief/history
https://rocketnews24.com/2015/08/02/615417/
