Furoshiki – Traditional Japanese Wrapping Cloth
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Furoshiki wine red sakura cloth
Furoshiki （風呂敷） is a square piece of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that was used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. Ancient furoshiki was made of natural materials, but Modern furoshiki can be made of a variety of cloth, including silk, cotton, rayon, and nylon.
The “Furoshiki” name means “bath spread”.
The origins of furoshiki date back to the Nara period (710 – 794 AD). It was used to wrap clothes at the Shosoin (a structure at the Todai temple in Nara, Japan).
In the Heian period (794-1185 AD), furoshiki was known as hirazutsumi, or a “flat folded bundle”.
In the Muromachi period (1338-1573), Shogun Ashikaga built a great bathhouse. It was a kind of steam bath with straw mats, wood, or cloth on the floor. The invited feudal lords used silk cloth that had been printed with their family crests’ to hold their clothes. These were used in order to keep each lord’s clothes separate and as a mat, after they finished bathing.
In Edo period (1603-1868) as public bathhouses became popular, the Furoshiki was used for spreading on the floor while undressing and for wrapping bathing articles and clothes to carry.
Furoshiki wrapped wine bottle and package
During this period, furoshiki became wildly popular among all social classes.
When cities developed, merchants used the furoshiki more and more to transport goods. Their merit was that they could wrap and carry any type of shape of goods.
Today, the Furoshiki has been replaced by modern bags and has lost its popularity as an everyday item.
It seems to be making a comeback though, and is very often given as a gift.
The furoshiki is an essential tool in daily life, often used instead of a plastic bag, or for storing articles, or for other domestic uses. It is not only used for wrapping but also as a tablecloth, a wall decoration, a fashion accessory, a wine bottle holder or drapes, etc.
This wrapping cloth is both useful and beautiful.
Here are a few basic examples of Furoshiki techniques:
Mamusubi Furoshiki project
Mamusubi
This is a basic method for tying Furoshiki cloths together.
Go to the Mamusubi illustrated project page
Learn how to Untie Mamusubi
Furoshiki Instant Bag
Instant Bag
This is very easy to make and very practical for carrying any kind of object. It is also eco-friendly.
Follow the link below for diagrams and instructions.
Go to the Instant Bag Furoshiki Project page
Furoshiki Tissue Box Wrap
Furoshiki Tissue Box
This is easy to make and makes your tissue boxes look more elegant.
Go to the Furoshiki Tissue Box Wrap Project page
Blue Sakura Furoshiki Cloth
Pink Sakura Furoshiki Cloth
Tanzaku Furoshiki
Cloth
Chili pattern Furoshiki Cloth
