What is Furoshiki?

Furoshiki is a traditional Japanese gift wrapping method. Using squares of cloth instead of paper, furoshiki creates unique gifts or eco-friendly accessories. Like that other well-known Japanese craft, origami, furoshiki presentations are created from a series of folds.

Typically, furoshiki wrapping is performed using lightweight cloth such as cotton squares or silk scarves. Furoshiki cloth is often patterned or colored, but not gaudy, as the wrapping is designed to be an elegant gift in and of itself. Japanese gifting etiquette dictates that gifts should not be opened immediately upon receipt, and it is considered faux pas to open a gift in public. For this reason, furoshiki is a solution for good form as well as function.

Furoshiki wrapping began during Japan's early modern period, most commonly referred to as the Edo or Tokugawa period. This period in Japan's history ran roughly from the 17^th to 19^th century. This was a time of great intellectual and artistic growth for Japan, and birthed several of its signature arts. Geisha entertainers, Kabuki theater and woodblock art were among the arts that began and flourished during the Edo period.

According to Google's translating service, Furoshiki translates roughly as "wrapping cloth" in English. Japanese gift company JUN Japanese Gifts & Souvenirs claims the word translates as "cloth for the bath". This hearkens back to furoshiki's original use, to conceal and carry one's toiletries on the way to the baths.

Over time, furoshiki has come to be used for much more than carrying toiletries. Furoshiki can be used to dress up items in the home, such as hangers and baskets. It's commonly used as a method of carrying a bento box, which is a small Japanese lunch box, and then spread out to use as a place mat while eating. The cloth may be hung on its own, similar to a scroll or tapestry, or used as window dressing. Furoshiki is also used for a variety of accessories including headbands, belts and handbags. As the cloth is re-usable, furoshiki also acts as a stylish "green" alternative to shopping bags. This diagram shows an example of the many uses for furoshiki wrapping. Like origami, some furoshiki designs are easier to execute than others. Another reason to use lightweight cloth is for creaselessness; while practicing and learning furoshiki, you may need to undo your work and start over several times.

Gift wrapping is the most common use of furoshiki. The craft has gained popularity around the world in recent years, due partly to increasing green initiatives but also as a unique gift presentation method. In Japan, furoshiki stores such as the famous Karakusaya in Kyoto perform elaborate furoshiki wrapping for customers. This is not unlike gift wrapping stations at department stores or shopping malls in other part of the world - but unlike those stations, furoshiki stores don't operate solely during the holidays.

Source:

Wikipedia. "Furoshiki."

Wikipedia. "Etiquette in Japan."

Wikipedia. "Edo Period."

Google. "Google Translate."

Furoshiki. "Techniques."

JUN Japanese Gifts & Souvenirs. "Furoshiki."

M.E. Williams. "DIY Definitions: Furoshiki - Multi-Use Wrapping Cloths." AOL DIYLife.