a history of furoshiki

Wrapping items is practiced worldwide across many cultures to carry belongings.  In Japan, the idea dates back to the Nara period (eighth century).

Furoshikis, a square cloth, became named and popularized during the Edo Period (1603-1868) as public bathhouses became common.  The word "furo" translates as bath and "shiki" means to spread.  These wrapping cloths were used to carry belongings to the baths and to spread upon the floor when stepping from the bath.

Around 1900 as textile production grew the tradition evolved to become the refined Japanese art of gift presentation.  Politeness, dignity and respect was expressed through a simple gift wrapped in a furoshiki.

By the 1940's the growth of foreign influences in post WWII Japan had seen the tradition decline to near extinction.  By 1970, with plastic boxes and bags as a common practice in Japan as in the US, the furoshiki was all but lost.  

Today the furoshiki has again been embraced for its ability to be used and reused to carry produce from the market, to wrap a lunch, use as a picnic cloth, to decorate your home, or to wrap a gift as an expression of care.

Ecoshikis invites you to join the tradition and spread the word of politeness, respect and sustainability.  Print your own free folding guide of 14 artful techniques at ecoshikis.com.

photo: Kakefuda, a famous furoshiki shop in Japan