What is a Furoshiki?
A Furoshiki is a square cloth that has been used in Japan for centuries to wrap, carry, and store items. The term Furoshiki literally means "bath spread cloth," and according to legend, this name originated in the Muromachi period (1392-1573), where such cloths were used in bathhouses.
But let's start from the beginning:
The practice of wrapping objects in cloth has a tradition spanning over 1300 years in Japan: already in the Nara (710-794) and Heian periods (794-1185), valuable possessions were wrapped in fabrics to protect them and transport them safely. It was also common in temples to wrap treasures and precious objects in cloths. The term Furoshiki did not yet exist then; the cloths were called koromotsutsumi (clothing wrap) or hiratsutsumi (flat wrap).
In the Muromachi period, lords and samurai used the cloths in steam baths to wrap their kimonos. After the bath, they were spread on the floor to change clothes. This use also gave rise to the name: furo means "bath," shiki "to spread."
With the spread of public bathhouses (sentō) in the Edo period, the Furoshiki finally became part of everyday life for the general population. Merchants used the cloths to package and transport their goods. Thus, the Furoshiki developed into one of the most important and practical methods for carrying objects of various shapes and sizes.
The Furoshiki was also used for festive occasions: it served to express respect and appreciation to the recipient. In Japanese culture, the manner of presenting a gift is considered as significant as the gift itself.
Sustainable through Versatility
Whether as a protective cover, packaging, or carrying bag: almost anything can be wrapped in a Furoshiki, regardless of its shape and size. When not in use, it can be folded compactly.
The cloth can also be used as a scarf or shoulder wrap, rain protection, tablecloth, or wall hanging, for transporting luggage, or even as an emergency sling.
By the way, with the magnetic 'Patchin' wooden handles, the cloth can be transformed into a sealable bag in no time.
Traditionally, Furoshiki are mostly made from cotton or silk. Today, there are also modern variants made from polyester, such as Musubi's water-repellent "Aquadrop" Furoshiki.
Furoshiki also come in a wide variety of patterns and colors, many of which have symbolic meanings.
Size Guide:
Size S (approx. 50x50 cm)
Lunchbox, paperbacks, small gifts (e.g., perfume), small plastic bottles, etc.
Size M (approx. 70x70 cm)
Larger gifts and items in A4 format, larger books, a single wine bottle, clothes, two-tier lunchboxes, fruits, as a small bag, etc.
Size L (approx. 100x100 cm)
Large gifts, spherical objects the size of a watermelon, clothing, yoga mat, two wine/sake bottles, as a shopping bag or shoulder bag or protective cover for backpacks, etc.
Furoshiki Workshop
Whether it's a practical shopping bag or a stylish wine bottle carrier - learn the basic knots and wrapping techniques in a Furoshiki introductory workshop.
📅 Date: Saturday, 26.05.30
⏰ Time: 10:30h (duration approx. 60 minutes)
💰 Price: CHF 20.- per person
📍 Location: Tokoro, Hallwylstrasse 33, 8004 Zurich
Registration and inquiries via contact form (limited spots)
