tortoise-shaped scrubbing brush
A traditional Japanese scrubbing brush with a rounded, tortoise-shell-like shape. The name comes from the product brand 'Kamenoko Tawashi', but it is often used generically for similar brushes.
I scrubbed the pot in the kitchen using a tortoise-shaped scrubbing brush.
My grandmother has been using a Kamenoko Tawashi for years.
A sponge, often used for dishwashing; 亀の子たわし is a traditional stiff-bristle brush, better for heavy scrubbing.
Standard spelling; the product name is often written with たわし in kana.
Full kanji spelling, but 束子 is less common and may be unfamiliar to some readers.
From the product name 'Kamenoko Tawashi' (亀の子束子), literally 'turtle child scrubbing brush', referring to its shape. The brand was established in the early 20th century and the name became a genericized trademark for this style of brush.