The Furoshiki ( 風呂敷)

Furoshiki - What is a Furoshiki?

The Furoshiki is used for wrapping articles as a special present in Japan. Compliments of the season, or feelings of thanks etc. can be conveyed with such a present. Moreover, the Furoshiki is an essential tool in daily life, often used instead of a Japanese bag, or for storing articles, or for other domestic uses. The pattern of the cloth is arranged at the lower right so the design is displayed beautifully when it is wrapped.

The Furoshiki is not only used for wrapping but also as a tablecloth, for decorating the wall, as a scarf exploiting its qualities as a crepe drape, or for making a unique dress of Japan etc. It is possible to use it in many ways.

But Its Just a Japanese cloth, Right?

Wrong. The furoshiki is not a Japanese cloth because it is not used as one. This is because Japanese bags and cloth and the furoshiki both exist in the same contexts and Japanese culture. Being from the same culture, both represent varying symbolic meanings to the people of a specific environment. In some respects, it can be viewed similar as the old saying, "you say it tomato, and I say it tomato." Technically, and physically both are the same material and structure, but symbolically they are entirely different entities unique to the culture and country of Japan. If you are interested in fabric and Japanese design, you may also want to look for Omiyage: Handmade Gifts from Fabric in the Japanese Tradition, by Kumiko Sudo, a book about creating tiny bags and pouches for the presentation of small gifts.