This word literally means "bath rag". Furoshiki is square piece of fabric which have been used for wrapping and carrying objects of any shapes and sizes.

In old times it was in order in Japanese baths (furo) to take a bath in light cotton kimonos. Visitors brought these kimonos from home. Also they brought special rags (shiki) on which they were standing during undressing. After bathing visitors wrapped wet kimonos in shiki to bring it to home. So bath rag turned into multifunctional bag.

Furoshiki became usual in Japan rather long ago. There are very old rolls of Kamakura-Muromati periods (1185 - 1573) with images of women carrying sheaf of clothes wrapped in fabric. At first Japanese used for furoshiki any fabrics with any patterns. But during Edo period (1603 - 1867) some coloring could be sign of belonging to aristocratic family or well-known shop. Easiness of rolling and strength became main characteristic in fabric choice. Heavy material gave place to more delicate and firm. Little by little Japanese became to make the most of furoshikis from cotton fabrics. Today furoshikis are made from cotton, silk and hybrid fabrics. The side of furoshiki is 40-80 cm long.

Furoshiki is very handy. Fabric takes the shape of thing which you wrap in and handles help to transport the weight. Moreover a present wrapped in smooth multi-layer fabric instead of rigid paper, gets peculiar expressiveness.

How to use furoshiki
for wrapping a basket, plate or watermelon:


for wrapping a bottle:
           

for wrapping a present:
        

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