Ah, Christmas is coming so soon and I hope you have already found those precious gifts. And, as you know, with gifts shopping also comes wrapping time. This lovely activity is where you fight with snowflakes decorated with paper and tape. But here’s a suggestion; why not try the versatile furoshiki (風呂敷)? It is a beautiful alternative to paper waste while being fun too, I promise! I discovered this alternative about two years ago and instantly liked its versatility. From wrapping wine bottles, books, and boxes to being table clothes or handbags, you can do almost anything with this square of fabric!
Here’s a little bit of history; the furoshiki first emerged in Japan during the Nara Period, around the 8th century, to keep the valuables of Emperors. Later on, it’s will be used to wrap and carry clothes of nobility.
Here’s a little bit of history; the furoshiki first emerged in Japan during the Nara Period, around the 8th century, to keep the valuables of Emperors. Later on, it’s will be used to wrap and carry clothes of nobility.
Then, it will be during the Edo era, from 1600 to 1868 that its popularity will increase, along with the public baths that are also spreading. The square of fabric will be used as a wrapping cloth to carry the clothes and a mat to dry the feet after the bath. The word “furo” means bath and “shiki”, to spread. Later on, during the same period, merchants and the working class used it to carry goods of all kinds.
Since the Second World War, the use of furoshiki has unfortunately declined because of the popularity of plastic bags, but there is hope. In 2006, the Ministry of Environment Yuriko Koike released a furoshiki named “Mottainai Furoshiki” to promote its use.
So, ready for a change this year? You’ll be able to wrap almost anything with the blink of an eye… like the delicious homemade matcha biscottis you’ll be making. Use a scarf you have or scroll on Etsy to discover beautiful furoshiki patterns. Surprise people and enjoy trying new kinds of wrapping techniques. Merry Christmas!
