Tengai Collection

Komuso Buddhist monks, Japan. They wear a straw basket (tengai) over their head and play a bamboo flute (shakuhachi). Date: circa 1890s

The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Soga no Goro Disguised as a Komuso in the Play... c. 1771. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Ichikawa Danjuro V as Soga no Goro Disguised as a Komuso in the Play Sakai-cho Soga Nendaiki, Performed at the Nakamura Theater in the First Month, 1771, Japan, c. 1771

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Kakogawa Honzo in Komuso Attire in the Play Kanadehon... c. 1783. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Kakogawa Honzo in Komuso Attire in the Play Kanadehon Chushingura, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Seventh Month, 1783, Japan, c. 1783

The Actors Ichikawa Komazo II as Soga no Juro Sukenari (right), and Ichikawa Danjuro V... c. 1771. Creator: Shunsho
The Actors Ichikawa Komazo II as Soga no Juro Sukenari (right), and Ichikawa Danjuro V as Soga no Goro Tokimune (left), in Komuso Attires, in the Play Sakaicho Soga Nendaiki

Kanbara: View of the Fuji River from Iwafuchi (Kanbara, Iwafuchi yori Fujikawa o, ... c. 1841/44)
Kanbara: View of the Fuji River from Iwafuchi (Kanbara, Iwafuchi yori Fujikawa o miru zu), from the series "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Tokaido gojusan tsugi no uchi)

The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Kume no Heinaizaemon Disguised as the Street Fortune-tel... c. 1783. Creator: Shunsho
The Actor Nakamura Nakazo I as Kume no Heinaizaemon Disguised as the Street Fortune-teller Kosaka Jinnai, in the Play Kotobuki Banzei Soga, Performed at the Ichimura Theater in the Fifth Month, 1783

Tachibanaya: Ichikawa Yaozo III as Fuwa Banzaemon, from the series "Portraits of Actors... 1794
Tachibanaya: Ichikawa Yaozo III as Fuwa Banzaemon, from the series "Portraits of Actors on Stage (Yakusha butai no sugata-e)", 1794

Sakanoshita—No. 49, from the series "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Tokaido...c. 1847/52)
Sakanoshita--No. 49, from the series "Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido (Tokaido gojusan tsugi), " also known as the Reisho Tokaido, c. 1847/52

No. 66: Echikawa, from the series "Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido (Kisokaido... c. 1835/38)
No. 66: Echikawa, from the series "Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido (Kisokaido rokujukyu tsugi no uchi)", c. 1835/38

No. 66: Echikawa, from the series "Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido (Kisokaido... c. 1835/38)
No. 66: Echikawa, from the series "Sixty-nine Stations of the Kisokaido (Kisokaido rokujukyu tsugi no uchi)", c. 1835/38

(Facsimile) The Fourth Month (Uzuki), from the series "Popular Versions of Immortal Poets... c1768
(Facsimile) The Fourth Month (Uzuki), from the series "Popular Versions of Immortal Poets in Four Seasons (Fuzoku shiki kasen)", c. 1768

The Fourth Month (Uzuki), from the series "Popular Versions of Immortal Poets in Four... c. 1768
The Fourth Month (Uzuki), from the series "Popular Versions of Immortal Poets in Four Seasons (Fuzoku shiki kasen)", c. 1768

Kobe, Japan - A komuso (monk of the Fuke sect) wearing a basket hat (tengai or tengui) and playing the shakuhachi bamboo flute. Date: 1928

The actor Onoe Kikugoro III as Nagoya Sanza in the play "Sato no Haru Meibutsu Amigasa, " p... 1827
The actor Onoe Kikugoro III as Nagoya Sanza in the play "Sato no Haru Meibutsu Amigasa, " performed at the Kawarazaki Theater in the first month, 1827, 1827

The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Nagoya Sanzaburo in the play "Higashiyama-dono Kabuki no... 1766
The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Nagoya Sanzaburo in the play " Higashiyama-dono Kabuki no Tsuitachi, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eleventh month, 1766, Japan, 1766

The Actors Ichikawa Danjuro II as Onio Shinzaemon and Ichikawa Masugoro as Soga no Goro in... 1735
The Actors Ichikawa Danjuro II as Onio Shinzaemon and Ichikawa Masugoro as Soga no Goro in the play "Furiwake-gami Hatsugai Soga, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the first month

The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII as Oguri Hangan in the play "Mangetsu Oguri Yakata, "perfo... 1747
The Actor Ichimura Uzaemon VIII as Oguri Hangan in the play " Mangetsu Oguri Yakata, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eighth month, 1747, 1747

The Actor Onoe Kikugoro I as Kyo no Jiro in the play "Fujibumi Sakae Soga, "performed... 1763
The Actor Onoe Kikugoro I as Kyo no Jiro in the play " Fujibumi Sakae Soga, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the second month, 1763, 1763

The Actors Nakamura Takesaburo I as Kewaizaka no Shosho and Ichikawa Danjuro II as Soga no... 1715
The Actors Nakamura Takesaburo I I as Kewaizaka no Shosho and Ichikawa Danjuro II as Soga no Goro in the play "Bando Ichi Kotobuki Soga

The Actors Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Nagoya Sanzaburo and Ichimura Kamezo II in the play "Hig... 1766
The Actors Ichimura Uzaemon IX as Nagoya Sanzaburo and Ichimura Kamezo II in the play " Higashiyama-dono Kabuki no Tsuitachi, " performed at the Ichimura Theater in the eleventh month

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Tengai, also known as the traditional Japanese straw hat, is a symbol of protection and style. This iconic headgear has been worn for centuries by farmers, fishermen, and warriors alike. Its wide brim shields the wearer from the harsh sun and rain, making it a practical accessory for outdoor activities. The tengai is not just functional but also holds cultural significance in Japan, and is often seen in traditional festivals and ceremonies, adding an element of tradition and heritage to the event. The craftsmanship that goes into making these hats is truly remarkable, with skilled artisans weaving together straw to create a sturdy yet lightweight piece of headwear. In modern times, the tengai has made its way into fashion circles around the world. Its unique shape and rustic charm have caught the eye of designers looking to add a touch of Japanese flair to their collections. Whether worn casually with jeans or paired with a kimono for a more formal look, the tengai adds an interesting twist to any outfit. So next time you're looking for something different to top off your ensemble, consider reaching for a tengai. Not only will you be making a fashion statement, but you'll also be paying homage to centuries-old traditions that continue to inspire us today.