BAN INOUE dishcloth

BAN INOUE
CAYA Kitchen Cloth

A kitchen cloth made from Nara's kaya (mosquito net) fabric

Made from 8 layers of 100% cotton kaya fabric, it's thick, easy to wipe with, and has excellent absorbency and feel. Despite being thick and easy to wipe with, it dries quickly, thanks to the coarse weave characteristic of kaya fabric.




Easy to use, durable, and long-lasting. The secret lies in the continuous stitching.

This kitchen cloth is made of 8 layers of thin, crepe-like kaya woven fabric. It absorbs moisture between the layers, giving it excellent absorbency and quick-drying properties.

The stitching, which securely holds the 8 layers together to prevent shifting, is carefully applied without cutting the thread mid-way, making it resistant to fraying.

Each piece features a distinctive "L-shaped" stitch, created with handmade machine work.






New kitchen cloths are stiff due to starch sizing. With each wash and use, they transform into a soft and gentle texture.






A reliable color that you can use without worrying about oil stains. Many fans appreciate that dark-colored kitchen cloths are hard to find elsewhere.

For those who want to be particular not only about function but also appearance, especially for something used daily.



【Kaya (Mosquito Netting)】
---Kaya is the name of a coarsely woven fabric. Originally used as insect repellent cloth, hence the character for "mosquito" (蚊) in its name.
BAN INOUE's commitment is to 100% cotton, vibrantly colored kaya.

【Characteristics of Kaya Fabric】
---Kaya was originally hung to repel mosquitoes while sleeping.
It's a coarsely woven fabric with excellent breathability.
It's woven by widely spacing the threads to allow air to pass through, making it extremely lightweight and flexible.
However, as a woven fabric, it has no elasticity.

【The Appeal of Kaya Fabric】
---Once the "sizing" used during weaving washes off, the fibers of each individual thread expand, revealing the natural softness of cotton.
Furthermore, as the fine fibers intertwine, the material becomes even softer to the touch, light, and airy.
It can be safely used by those with sensitive skin and children.




Vibrant Colors
To bring out the beautiful and clean texture of kaya fabric, we are particular about dyeing it in colors inspired by traditional Japanese hues, such as fuji-iro (wisteria color) and yamabuki-iro (kerria flower yellow).



Absorbent, Quick-Drying, Breathable
Kaya excels in absorbency, quick-drying, and breathability. Therefore, it quickly absorbs moisture, dries fast, and is hygienic as it is less prone to developing unpleasant odors.



Safe Natural Material: 100% Cotton
To bring out the softness of kaya, we use no chemical fibers, only 100% cotton. All manufacturing is also done in Japan.





Its unique color variations are particularly attractive, with dark colors hardly fading. Since you can never have too many dishcloths, they are also popular as small gifts.
They are also recommended as handouts for thank-you gifts, housewarming greetings, or New Year's greetings.



COLOR

Sumi (Ink Black)



Tetsukon (Dark Blue)



Kouiro (Fawn)



Ginnezu (Silver Gray)



Tsurubami (Dull Black)