Try making Tenugui, a must have item in Gujo-odori Dance Festival using
silk screen printing, originally born in Gujo!

Silk screen printing is using a technique called “Stencil printing”, which is a very simple printing method which ink is extruded from holes onto a plate with cloths on top to apply patterns and letters. It is widely used around us, from T-shirts, posters, CDs, and remote controls. It is able to print on anything other than water and air. Gujo is actually the birthplace of silk screen printing in Japan. Since industrial printing machines were invented, it has been spread all over the world.

Takara Gallery Workroom was opened in 2012, saying “I wish to convey this historic industry to many people with new perspective.” When you enter the shop, which is renovated from an old traditional. Japanese house, you can find a production experience space in the center. There is also shopping area where you can find towels, tote bags, notebooks, Uchiwa (Round paper fan), and Jinbei (Informal summer clothes for men) for children using silk screen printing.

Choosing over 30 kinds of
seasonal patterns and
creating your own unique Tenugui

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You start making Tenugui with choosing your owns pattern. There are over 30 types of patterns such as Gujo patterns, like Gujo’s townscape and dance clogs, seasonal patterns, like cherry blossoms and horsetail in spring, mushrooms in autumn, simple patterns, like polka dots and stripes, and geometric patterns. All these wonderful things are designed by Mr and Mrs Uemura, the owner of this workroom, who studied graphic design at university. You can use one large pattern and repeat it to print the entire fabric or use multiple patterns to do the printing. There are also a variety of small patterns that you can place randomly. Next, select size and color of fabric. Either 90cm, which is the normal size of a towel, or 100cm, which is generally used in Gujo dance. You can choose from 6 fabric colors. And finally, select ink color. Approximately 20 colors are available, from pale to vivid colors. Patterns, colors of fabric, ink colors and arrangement…make infinitive combinations!

Printing method is sliding a spatula-like tool called a squeegee on a plate and print ink on it. It is very simple when ink passes through holes and a pattern is printed on the fabric. When you put ink on it, move the squeegee up and down twice, and then remove the plate, a vivid pattern appears clearly! You can also put your initial letter of your name on your towel too. In less than an hour (Time depends on number of people), you can experience full-scale printing technology, and you will feel very satisfied out of your expectations.

Design of pattern changes with the seasons. So, if you choose the seasonal pattern, it’s nice to remember you went to Gujo this season. Some visitors come to experience it many times. It is an experience for you to make your own stylish Japanese towel which you can fully enjoy creating your design. Please add it into your sightseeing plan.