What are furoshiki

Furoshiki are fabrics, usually decorated, that despite having their origin in the 8th century, during the Nara period, are still used in daily life in Japan. Initially, during the Nara period, they were used to store clothes when visiting public baths, hence their name “furo” bath and “shiku” align or place in a place.

Although it started with a single purpose, it grew in popularity and began to be used for other purposes, even developing new styles to “wrap” objects. It went from being used exclusively for the bathroom, to being used to carry “shopping” or to wrap gifts.

Hira Zutsumi is the original wrap mode; this style consists of simple folds without tying.

It is common in Japan to use small furoshiki to give away money. When money is given on happy occasions, the Migi Zutsumi style is used. To give money on sad occasions, such as a funeral, the Hidari Zutsumi style is used. They both have small features that set them apart, but overall they are similar.

The most common style for carrying bulkier items is the Otsukai Zutsumi. Most people associate the furoshiki with this style because of its characteristic tie.

Along with the traditional styles, new styles have been emerging that meet the needs of modern times. The Awase Zutsumi style for bottles, very popular for gifting bottles of wine. For large bottles, such as traditional Japanese sake, the Issho-bin Tsutsumi style can be used. These styles are the best way to impress your friends and clients at dinner parties and gatherings.

The most common use of the furoshiki is to carry personal items in our daily lives. Furoshiki-style bags were very popular until the introduction of Western styles to Japan. The popularity of furoshiki fell rapidly. However, Japanese designers have created new styles, materials, and prints, bringing increasing interest in furoshiki. The Japanese Ministry of the Environment helped popularize furoshiki by promoting the environmental benefits of furoshiki compared to other styles of bags.