Hayashiya Sanpei Tenugui (Hand Towel) - Hayashiya Sanpei's Three Acts - Illustrated by Tsunemi Imamura - With "Kotobuki" (Longevity) Gift Wrap - Circa 1980

Hayashiya Sanpei Tenugui (Hand Towel)
Hayashiya Sanpei Sanbaso Dance Illustration by Tsunemi Imamura
Includes Kotobuki (Celebration) gift wrapping paper
Circa 1980

This item is featured in a research paper on custom-dyed tenugui for celebrities (see the last two photos). You can read it online. The paper describes it as follows: An illustration by the picture book artist Tsunemi Imamura, depicting Hayashiya Sanpei performing the Sanbaso dance. Sanbaso is a celebratory performance, and the dancer's face is a likeness of Sanpei. It is titled 'Hayashiya Sanpei Sanbaso Dance Illustration' and includes the signature 'Tsunemi Ga' and a red seal.

This tenugui was distributed as a celebratory gift around 1980 to commemorate Sanpei's recovery from illness. It was received from his family at the Sanpei residence. I have kept it carefully, but I am now parting with it due to decluttering.

The gift wrapping paper is wrinkled and stained, but the tenugui itself is unused and in beautiful condition. The faint curved mark, which appears as a slight stain, is a testament to its authenticity, resulting from the frame of the original printing plate used for the Sanbaso illustration. Please check the photos.

Although unused, this is a personal item stored in a private home. Therefore, those who are sensitive to such details should refrain from purchasing. Please be sure to read my profile before commenting or purchasing. Immediate purchase is welcome. It will be shipped via secure Mercari delivery. Please note that it will be vacuum-sealed for shipping. Please refrain from making significant price reduction requests.