- Furoshiki as a birthday present wrapping
The Furoshiki is a Japanese traditional wrapping cloth which is used repeatedly in different and often stylish ways. The furoshiki is said to have been first used in the Muromachi Period (1392-1573). People would spread it out in place of a bath mat or wrapped one’s clothes with it.
As for me, I think I still have a way to go in learning the more sophisticated wrapping styles. But here are some great examples of how you take up the eco-friendly challenge and also enjoy a furoshiki revival.
Perhaps the furoshiki might help you package up some fruit? The great thing about the furoshiki cloth is that it is so versatile.
- Fruit in Furoshiki
Here is some youtube footage of working with the furoshiki
A few years ago, the Japanese Minister for the Environment even presented the “Mottainai Furoshiki” to promote the eco-friendly revival of the Japanese furoshiki. Its good to see the combination of eco-friendly ideas and culture being encouraged at this level.
I’ve created what you might call a “mottainai furoshiki”. The Japanese word mottainai means it’s a shame for something to go to waste without having made use of its potential in full. The furoshiki is made of a fiber manufactured from recycled PET bottles, and has a birds-and-flowers motif drawn by Itoh Jakuchu, a painter of the mid-Edo era.
……… It’s much better than Plastic bags you receive at supermarkets or wrapping paper, since it’s highly resistant, reusable and multipurpose. In fact, it’s one of the symbols of traditional Japanese culture, and puts an accent on taking care of things and avoiding wastes.
http://www.waku.jp/contents/2004winter/furoshiki.html
There are some really good books available on Amazon to get you started on this eco-friendly wrapping style. One of my favourites is this one.
- Amazon - Lots of books on Furoshiki Wrapping Styles
Another idea from a blogger on Japan has been to ask super markets to provide a furoshiki instead of a plastic bag at the check out….. so far I havent found a company that has taken up this challenge.
- Wine in Furoshiki
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Busy Monday already … and doing my bit for the environment wrapping bday pressies in furoshiki! http://bit.ly/hSu4C
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
I was thinking about using furoshiki for Christmas gifts this year.
I’m thrilled to see the interest in furoshiki. PS Stores (Seattle & Redmond, WA) started carrying the cloths last fall and held classes in folding techniques. Great fun and a beautiful green option.
it is great to know that furoshiki is getting more and more popular. Please also checkout our site at http://furoshiki.com, we have a wide selection of furoshiki, including books. Thank you
Good to hear – it will make two gifts in one – lovely
Great post! Furoshiki itself is a gift! My daughter attends a Japanese immersion program here in Seattle and we are soaking in as much Japanese culture as we can. A friend and I just started handcrafting our own furoshikis using premium sustainable-crop and organic fabrics. Thanks to you, the grand environmental appeal of this time-honored Japanese tradition is becoming more well known. Cheers!
Great to hear! Thanks for dropping by at Kimonobox.
Will do – thanks for your comments