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Furoshiki: An ancestral tradition of gift wrapping
Impression Originale takes you to the wonderful world of Furoshiki
Originating from Japan, the Furoshiki is a fabric wrap used to elegantly cover and present a gift. Today, it is regaining popularity as it aligns with our values of mindful and sustainable consumption. Here are a few key points to better understand the roots of this ancestral practice.
Furoshiki expresses the importance that Japanese culture places on the aesthetics of packaging. Like many things in Japan, the fabrics follow a specific code (colors and patterns) depending on the occasion, the season, and, of course, the recipient. The wrapping process is precise and meticulous, and the presentation of the furoshiki is traditionally done on the forearm. In Japanese tradition, a furoshiki is never given away as a gift in itself—it always returns to its owner. Therefore, it is customary that once a gift is wrapped and presented, the furoshiki is reused to wrap another gift that will eventually be returned to its original owner.
Japanese lords invited to the bath would bring their furoshiki, marked with their crests, to distinguish their personal belongings.
Kiyonaga bathhouse women – Torii Kiyonaga
The Birth of Furoshiki
Furoshiki first appeared in the 8th century during the Nara period as a method for wrapping precious goods. Initially, the wrapping fabric was called tsutsumi, meaning “package.” This practice evolved during the Heian period (794-1185) when it was mainly used to wrap clothing, then known as koromo utsumi. During the Kamakura period (1185-1336), it changed names again to hirazutsumi. The Japanese population had found a quick way to pack their personal belongings when traveling for religious gatherings or during wartime to prevent looting.
It was not until the Muromachi period (1336-1573) that the term furoshiki became widely used. Furoshiki literally translates to “bath” (furo) and “spread out” (shiki). At the time, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had built a large bathhouse in his residence. Japanese lords invited to the bath would bring their furoshiki, marked with their crests, to distinguish their personal belongings.
The Different Wrapping Technics
Furoshiki is a large square stole that is laid flat to wrap objects. Different folding techniques exist, each named according to the type of object being wrapped. The method is versatile and can conceal a variety of items, with particular attention given to the knots.
Estampe japonaise de l’époque Edo
Furoshiki: An Ideal Choice for Sustainable Consumption
In recent years, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has launched a campaign to reduce plastic use in the country, bringing furoshiki back into the spotlight. It perfectly aligns with the environmental principles of the 3Rs policy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), encouraging people to adopt a more responsible attitude toward plastic consumption.
Discover our collection of furoshiki here.
Credit @impressionoriginale
Our Tutorial
IMPRESSION ORIGINALE shares its know-how with tutorials. We have a special series on furoshiki. Our founder, Mathilde, believes in the strength of giving and sharing her wonderful skills to support your own creating gift-wrapping capacities from simple to elaborate tutorials suitable for all skill levels. The secret resides in gifting your loved ones with attention, care and taking your time.
