What is furoshiki?

What is furoshiki?

Furoshiki is a piece of cloth whose shape is almost a square, used to wrap something to carry. It has more than 1200 years of history.

Why is its name “furoshiki”?

The meaning of furoshiki is “a sheet in the bath. “In the Edo period, when public baths became popular with the general public, furoshiki was used by wrapping clothes and pulling them under your feet when you got out of the bath. Before that, the furoshiki was called” Hira-dutsumi, “a flat wrap. After that, furoshiki became popular to carry and wrap various things.

The features of furoshiki

Furoshiki can freely change its shape according to the size and shape of the item wrapped. In addition to wrapping it, it can also be arranged as a bag.
It can be folded into a small size when not used, making it convenient to carry.

How to use furoshiki?

You can often use “Hira-dutsumi” and “Otsukai-dutsumi.” “Hira-dutsumi” is a simple knotless wrapping method recommended when giving someone a gift.

1. Place the furoshiki on the back in a diamond shape.
2. Place something to wrap in the center.
3. Cover it with the cloth in the front and fold the edge under it.
4. Cover it with the cloth on the left. Cover it with the cloth on the right in the same way.
5. Cover with the cloth in the back and fold the edge under the object.

“Otsukai-dutsumi” is a wrapping method with a knot in the middle and can be used for various purposes, from everyday use to formal occasions.

1. Place the furoshiki on the back in a diamond shape.
2. Place something to wrap in the center.
3. Cover it with the cloth in the front and fold the edge under it.
4. Cover with the cloth in the back and fold the edge under the object.
5. Cover it with the clothes on the left and the right.
6. Tie the left and right clothes.

Other methods include hiding the knots, wrapping with multiple knots, and wrapping a cylindrical object by rolling around.

How to make a furoshiki bag

There are many methods for making a furoshiki bag. The easiest way is drop-bag.

1. Fold the furoshiki into a triangle with the inside facing up.
2. Tie a knot at each end of the triangle at a position about half to one-third from the apex.
3. Open the cloth at the top of the triangle and turn it over.
4. Put both ends tied inside.
5. Tie the ends tightly.

The types of furoshiki

Size

There are various sizes, from about 45 cm square to about 230 cm square. The typical size is about 68 cm square and can be used to wrap gift boxes. You can make a drop bag with about 90 cm square or larger one. “Fukusa” in the tea ceremony is also a type of furoshiki.

Material

Traditional materials are silk and cotton, but some have been made of synthetic fibers in recent years. Some are water repellent.

Design and color

The traditional design is dark green with an arabesque pattern. Traditionally, the mainstream designs were traditional Japanese colors such as vermilion, purple, indigo, and enji, with traditional Japanese designs called auspicious patterns. Nowadays, you can see furoshiki in various colors and fashionable designs.

The history of furoshiki

The origin of the furoshiki dates back to the Nara period (710 to 794). You can see a cloth like a long scarf tied together and wrapped in a gagaku costume in “Shosoin” in Nara prefecture.

In the Muromachi period (1335 to 1573), in order not to mix up clothes when the daimyo takes a bath, they put them in a flat wrap on a cloth with a family crest, open the wrap when they get out of the bath, and sit on the cloth to put on their clothes.

In the Edo period (1603 to 1868), ordinary people began to take a public bath, and furoshiki became popular among the common people. In the Meiji era (1868 to 1912), furoshiki became necessary on special days, such as the engagement ceremony. It was also used to carry goods in commerce and wrap textbooks when going to school, making it an integral part of everyday life.

After World War II, new dyeing techniques were developed, and various types of furoshiki were made. From the end of the war to around 1955, many furoshiki shops were founded and established. Nylon furoshiki became popular for wrapping gifts, and it was increasingly produced as a souvenir for companies. Around 1970, the production of furoshiki peaked. During the high economic miracle that followed, furoshiki gradually became obsolete.

However, in recent years, furoshiki has been reviewed from the aspect of eco friendly.

The potential of furoshiki

In recent years, fashionable and cute furoshiki have appeared one after another. It also attracts attention as an eco bag. Furoshiki can be used repeatedly and can be freely changed in shape. It will support the zero-waste life of people all over the world.

[Website] The story of furoshiki (Japanse)
[Website] What is furoshiki? (Japanse)
[Website] The history of furoshiki (Japanse)