Equal parts beauty and function, furoshiki is a kind of traditional wrapping cloth that has been used in Japan for over 1,000 years. Dating back to the Nara period (710–794 AD), furoshiki—literally “bath spread”—were originally used to carry belongings to the sento (public bath). The richest bathers would unfold their furoshiki, taking advantage of its alternative use as a bath mat. These decorative cloths soon spread beyond bath house walls, gaining popularity among merchant classes as fine packaging material. And in the era of everyday kimono (often pocketless garments) furoshiki functioned as ornate handbags.
Furoshiki is not only a beautiful tradition, but practical in today's world too. We now live in a world that is concerned with caring for the environment and using sustainable materials. These 100% cotton, 47cm square furoshiki are an ideal way wrap, carry and decorate. While it has become normal to use plastic bags or packaging only once, furoshiki can last a lifetime and has countless uses in daily life.
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