"Shirayuki-hukin" literally means "white snow towels" and they have been very popular in Japan for their quality and the excellent variety of designs. These towels come from Nara, an ancient capital city of Japan near Kyoto, and they are made of a fabric that was once woven into mosquito nets called "kaya". These cloths are very soft, durable and absorbent and are perfect for using as dish cloths and wash/hand towels. Over time, the cloths become really soft and supple, and eventually they make great rags.