How To Use Furoshiki:
Japanese Wrapping Cloths for Gift Wrapping and More
We came across an excellent blog from Australian Anna Jackson (Nov.22, 2016) in which she gives a very nice description of how we Japanese use furoshiki, with other helpful tips for using them, as well as other adaptations of the idea using similar fabrics.
We found the piece in a blog on 1millionwomen.com.au, a site promoting the protection of global climate through personal choices by individuals in recycling (upcycling) etc.
Her blog post is well researched and she gives a great overview of how furoshiki have been used traditionally in Japan, as follows:
While Japanese culture is not alone in using fabric wrapping, furoshiki has a distinctive style reflecting their interest in ceremony, beauty, multi-functional objects and thoughtful detail in their approach to everyday living.
Cloth wrapping has been used for over 1200 years in Japan and the word furoshiki came about during the Edo period (1603-1868) when the cloths were commonly used in bath houses to wrap clothes and as bath mats. The word furoshiki means 'bath spread'.
Over time, they developed a multitude of uses and patterns that are both elegant and functional. One furoshiki cloth can be used for wrapping a gift,(and)
- a bag for shopping
- decorating a handbag
- a picnic hamper
- a tablecloth
- household decor
- a scarf, belt or bandana
- wrapping clothes when travelling
They also offered a brief(under 3 minutes) video on gift-wrapping using furoshiki, on youtube,HERE. There are other links on that Youtube page go to other videos of how to use furoshiki.
Nice job Anna!
Yoko Lewis