Furoshiki: The Japanese Fabric Wrapping Art

Many of the most revered Japanese arts arose from something that was originally intended for practical purposes. This is true of Japanese calligraphy, which was developed in response to a growing need for a uniform script in the administrative process, and Kintsugi, which began as an elegant way to repair broken pottery. Furoshiki is no exception. The term, which literally translates to "bath (furo) spread (shiki)," was first used to protect valuable goods during the Nara period (710-794).

Since then, the Japanese have perfected the technique of doling out fabric to transport and wrap items. This has become a popular practice (particularly in recent years) in cultures all over the world as a versatile, environmentally friendly way to transport bottles, food, and everyday necessities, as well as a modern alternative to holiday gift-wrapping.

What Is Furoshiki?

Furoshiki is a square-shaped, eco-friendly Japanese traditional wrapping cloth that is typically used for gift-wrapping, carrying items, or simply as decoration. It can also refer to the art and/or technique of wrapping goods and gifts with cloth and fabric rather than wrapping paper. Furoshiki is derived from two words: "Furo" and "Shiki," which mean "Bath" and "To Spread," respectively.

Typically, furoshiki cloth is made of cotton, nylon, silk, or rayon. Furoshiki are available in a wide range of designs and sizes, allowing people to select furoshiki based on their/the receiver's personal preferences.

History of Furoshiki

Furoshiki wrapping first appeared in Japan during the Nara period, around 710 B.C. During this period, the cloth used to wrap an object was referred to as Tsutsumi, which means "package" or "present." It was primarily used to protect valuables and treasures discovered in Japanese temples. The cloth was known as koromo Utsumi during the Heian period, which lasted from 794 to 1185, and was mostly used to wrap clothing.

During the Muromachi period, which lasted from 1136 to 1573, the name furoshiki was applied. It was said that during this period, there was a Shogun who had a large bathhouse in his residence and invited feudal lords to stay and use it. To avoid confusion, these visitors would wrap their kimonos in furoshiki cloth while bathing. As additional indications of whom they belonged to, the clothes were frequently adorned with family crests and emblems. Many people stood on the fabrics to dry after bathing, hence the term "bath spread."

Furoshiki quickly became popular with all segments of society, as bathhouses became the designated location for washing, relaxing, and socialising. It wasn't long before the practice spread to other areas like wrapping books, gifts, and merchandise. Furoshiki can be embellished with natural ornaments to make it more attractive.

Yuriko Koike, Japan's Minister of the Environment, even promoted furoshiki cloth to raise environmental awareness and reduce the use of plastic in 2006. If you enjoy anime, you may have noticed that the furoshiki is a popular way for Japanese schoolchildren and even working adults to transport bento boxes. Bento boxes can also be wrapped in furoshiki.

Why Should One Consider Using Furoshiki

Eco-Friendly:  Furoshiki is a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional wrapping paper because the wrapping is reusable. Keep in mind that plastic-coated gift bags and boxes will almost certainly end up in the trash.

Versatile:  Gifts, particularly those made by hand, do not always come in a standard shape or with a box. Furoshiki allows you to wrap your gifts/items regardless of how strange or irregularly shaped they are, as long as your fabric is large/wide enough. Furoshiki allows one to wrap their gifts/items regardless of how unusual or irregularly shaped they are.

Convenient and cost-effective: A furoshiki technique will save you a lot of money and resources if you remember to always use what you already have at home. Throw away the bubble wrap and sticky tape.

Several Furoshiki styles: Using the furoshiki technique may even assist you in decluttering your wardrobe and reusing old and unused fabrics.

How to Make It?

The first and most important requirement for making furoshiki is a square fabric/cloth. Another consideration is the type of fabric you will use; for example, a thin fabric will not be sturdy enough to hold the items, and if it is too see-through, it will reveal what's inside.

Tips for Furoshiki Gift Wrap

The ideal fabric is strong and thick enough to protect the objects, but not so thick that tying the ends becomes difficult. Cotton is a long-lasting and popular material. However, don't just decide that you need to buy a new fabric made specifically for furoshiki. We dare to say that you have a fabric/cloth at home that will perfectly suit your needs. Handkerchiefs and bandanas, tablecloths, scarves, cloth napkins, bed or pillow sheets, tea towels, or even fabric scraps from your activity can all be used.  It's time to start wrapping once you've found the right fabric.

Wrapping Techniques

For Square Objects

• Otsukai Tsutsumi
• Yotsu Musubi
• Kakushi Tsutsumi

For Long Objects

• Entou Tsutsumi
• For Flat Objects
• Hira Tsutsumi

For Slender Object

• Kousa Tsutsumi

For Bottle

• Bin Tsutsumi (1 Bottle)
• Bin Tsutsumi (2 Bottles)

For Carrying Objects

• Suika Tsutsumi
• Katakake Fukuro
• Tesage Bukuro

For Extra Padding

• Sao Tsutsumi

Since the 8th century, Japanese art and culture have used a decorative, elegant cloth to carry items and wrap gifts. This practice, known as furoshiki, adds a personalised and special touch to the art of gift-giving. Because of its versatility and environmentally conscious approach, gift-givers all over the world have embraced the furoshiki technique. This season, repurpose unused fabric to make a one-of-a-kind, elegantly wrapped gift.