Furoshiki

Furoshiki (風呂敷, "furoshiki") are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that were frequently used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. Although possibly dating back as far as the Nara period, the name, meaning "bath spread", derives from the Edo period practice of using them to bundle clothes while at the sentō (public baths). Before becoming associated with public baths, "furoshiki" was known as "hirazutsumi" (平包), or flat folded bundle. Eventually, the "furoshiki's" usage extended to serve as a means for merchants to transport their wares or to protect and decorate a gift.

Modern "furoshiki" can be made of a variety of cloths, including silk, chirimen, cotton, rayon, and nylon. "Furoshiki" are often decorated with traditional designs or by shibori. There is no one set size for "furoshiki", they can range from hand sized to larger than bed-sheets. The most common sizes are 45cm (17.7 inch) and 68-72cm (26.7-28.3 inch).

Although there are still "furoshiki" users in Japan, their numbers declined in the post-war period, in large part due to the proliferation of the plastic shopping bag. In recent years, it has seen a renewed interest as environmental protection became a concern. Furoshiki are, however, commonly used to wrap and transport lunch boxes (bento) and often double as a table mat for the lunch.

On March 6, 2006, the Japanese Minister of the Environment, Yuriko Koike, created a "furoshiki" cloth to promote its use in the modern world. [ [http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/060403.html Minister Koike created the "Mottainai Furoshiki" as a symbol of Japanese culture to reduce wastes] , Ministry of the Environment]

References

ee also

*Bojagi, a similar square cloth in Korea
*Tenugui, a thin Japanese hand towel made of cotton
*Yukata, a Japanese summer garment
*Bento, a single-portion takeout or home-packed meal common in Japanese cuisine
*Gift wrapping, the act of enclosing a gift in some sort of material

External links

* [http://www.furoshiki.com Furoshiki.com]
* [http://www.env.go.jp/en/focus/attach/060403-5.html Some common furoshiki folding patterns]
* [http://www.diylife.com/2007/10/15/diy-definitions-furoshiki-multi-use-wrapping-cloths/ DIY Life's feature on furoshiki]
* [http://www.ungab.com/category/type/tutorials/furoshiki Videos demonstrating furoshiki folding patterns]