Japanese handkerchief Kurochiku (Kyoto) - Model Akai Fruits

Japanese double gauze handkerchief from the Japanese brand Kurochiku.

It is made from two layers of cotton gauze stitched along the edge, with a different print on each side. It is light, soft and highly absorbent, and the fabric becomes softer with every wash.

In Japan it is used daily to dry your hands, wrap small objects or simply as a pocket handkerchief.

This model is the Akai Fruits (赤いフルーツ), "red fruits". A grid of fruits drawn in red is arranged on a white background — mandarin, cherry, strawberry, tomato, apple, peach, watermelon, grape and fig — each with its romanised Japanese name underneath, so it also works as a small illustrated vocabulary.

The Kurochiku brand

Kurochiku, based in Kyoto, is a manufacturer of gift items.

Its products reflect ancient aspects of Japanese culture, including traditional patterns, textured fabrics and Kyoto craftsmanship.