A creation inspired by a trip to Japan.
A tenugui is a traditional Japanese cloth, usually made of lightweight cotton. Thin, soft, and quick-drying, it has long been a part of everyday life in Japan.
It can be used as a towel, scarf, head covering, kitchen cloth, or even as a decorative item. Its patterns are often inspired by nature, the seasons, and Japanese culture.
It was in Kanazawa, Japan, in a small alleyway, that I discovered this tenugui.
I liked to imagine that it was waiting there, among other fabrics, for a new story to begin.
Back in my studio, I transformed it. The fabric became the centerpiece of a decorative panel, assembled with pieces of linen and edged with bias tape. Wooden slats hold it in place, like a simple, essential frame, secured with stainless steel screws.
On the fabric, lotus flowers bloom, sinking their roots deep into the water, in a slow movement toward awareness, clarity, and peace.
I chose to name this piece *Le Jardin intérieur*.
A garden that cannot be seen, but that we can cultivate within ourselves. An intimate space where we can set aside the turmoil, welcome silence, and let what connects us to the essential blossom.
The panel also features a small wooden label: *Truth, Goodness*. A subtle yet profound reminder of the values of truth and goodness that inspire this work.
These words were born from a memorable encounter with a Sanskrit teacher, whose teachings on truth, goodness, and beauty have nourished my creative process. Over time, they have become an inner imprint.
Created by Cecile Au Zen: made from cotton printed in Japan
– Dimensions: 33 cm x 102 cm
