Tenugui (Yoki-koto-kiku)Description This design features an artistic wordplay combining an axe (yoki), a koto bridge (koto), and a chrysanthemum flower (kiku), which together phonetically read as "yoki koto wo kiku" (hearing good news). It carries an auspicious meaning, symbolizing the arrival of favorable news. The pattern was originally conceived by the famous kabuki actor, Onoe Kikugor III (17841849), who wore it on stage as part of his costume. Today, it remains a