Japanese Club
Traditional Japanese Wrapping Cloths (Furoshiki)
Are you already preparing your gifts for Christmas? How about an eco-friendly wrapping option like furoshiki?
風呂敷 (Furoshiki) refers to traditional Japanese wrapping cloths and the traditional use of fabric to wrap and transport goods. Furoshiki are typically made from materials such as silk or cotton, and usually have an elegant, decorative design. Furoshiki has become increasingly popular with cultures around the world as it has transformed the art of gift-giving.
The practice of Furoshiki originated around 710 B.C. in Japan during the Nara period. During this time, furoshiki was used to wrap important goods and treasures found in Japanese temples. The name Furoshiki comes from the words 風呂 (furo) which means “bath” and 敷 (shiki) which means “spread”. This term was coined after high-ranking visitors to Japanese bathhouses during the Muromachi period would pack their clothing and belongings in a special cloth decorated with their family crest.
The use of furoshiki declined in Japan’s post-war period, largely due to the influx of paper and plastic bags available to consumers. However, there appears to be a renewed interest in furoshiki in recent years as environmental protection has become a greater concern. The use of furoshiki to wrap and carry objects offers greater sustainability compared to single-use plastic bags and wrapping paper.
The Japanese Club participated in a Furoshiki Workshop and practiced many different furoshiki techniques to wrap small boxes. All that is needed to tie furoshiki is the cloth itself. Furoshiki cloth comes in a variety of sizes, however the only requirement for a furoshiki cloth is that it be of a square shape. The gift wrapper can customize the look of the furoshiki, from the pattern of the fabric to the thickness and size of the furoshiki itself. Furoshiki wrapping can also include aesthetic touches such as special ways of tying to create a bow shape, which mimics the look of a gift in wrapping paper tied with a ribbon.
The practice of furoshiki makes the art of gift-giving that much more special and personalised to the recipient. This holiday season, you might like to use some of your unused fabrics at home to create an elegantly wrapped gift for someone special this Christmas season. See the images attached here for some furoshiki tips and tricks.
Happy gifting!
Kind regards,
Ms. Tooby
Classroom Teacher