Furoshiki

Description

Wrap your lay robes set, samue set, or any special item in one of our beautiful furoshiki. Perfect for wrapping a thoughtful gift or adding a touch of elegance to everyday items, these traditional, versatile Japanese cloths are great for daily use and special occasions. With its timeless design, it offers both beauty and functionality, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.

The practice of using furoshiki dates back to the Nara period (710-794 AD) and has evolved over centuries. It gained prominence during the Edo period (1603-1868), where it was commonly used to bundle clothes and other belongings in public baths. Today, furoshiki is celebrated for its practicality and environmental benefits—offering a reusable alternative to paper and plastic packaging—and for its aesthetic appeal, often featuring beautiful patterns and designs.

Our furoshiki depict famous prints from the great Japanese artists.  We offer two by Katsushika Hokusai – Under the Wave off Kanagawa, and Mt. Fuji; and one by Utagawa Hiroshige – Evening Snow at Kanbara.  In addition we offer a handsome furoshiki that depict darumas (Bodhidharma) on a black background.

These beautiful designs are rich in color, and also make nice wall hanging.

Hokusai and Hiroshige Furoshiki are:

• 3 oz.
• 27.5” x 26.5”
• Polyester

Daruma Furoshiki are:

• 3 oz.
• 35.5” x 35.5”
• Cotton

All our furoshiki are made in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Furoshiki

What is a furoshiki?
A furoshiki is a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth used to carry, wrap, or present items. These square cloths can be folded and tied in many ways to bundle clothing, books, gifts, or everyday objects. Furoshiki have been used in Japan for centuries and remain popular today as a reusable and elegant alternative to bags and wrapping paper.

What can I use a furoshiki for?
Furoshiki are remarkably versatile. They can be used to wrap gifts, carry clothing, bundle meditation robes, protect delicate items in a bag, or store belongings. Many people also use furoshiki as decorative wall hangings, table coverings, or altar cloths.

Why are furoshiki considered environmentally friendly?
Unlike disposable gift wrap or plastic bags, a furoshiki is reusable. One cloth can be used again and again for wrapping gifts, carrying items, or storing belongings. Because of this, furoshiki are often appreciated as a sustainable alternative to paper and plastic packaging.

What is the history of furoshiki?
The use of furoshiki dates back to the Nara period (710–794). The name itself means “bath spread,” referring to the Edo-period practice of wrapping clothing while visiting public baths. Over time, furoshiki became widely used for transporting goods and wrapping gifts, and today they are valued for both their practicality and their beauty.

What designs are available for these furoshiki?
Our furoshiki feature classic Japanese artwork and traditional imagery. Two designs reproduce famous prints by Katsushika Hokusai—Under the Wave off Kanagawa and Mount Fuji. Another depicts Utagawa Hiroshige’s Evening Snow at Kanbara. We also offer a striking Daruma design showing Bodhidharma figures on a black background.

Are these furoshiki made in Japan?
Yes. All of our furoshiki are made in Japan, where the tradition of these wrapping cloths originated.

What materials are the furoshiki made from?
Our Hokusai and Hiroshige furoshiki are made from lightweight polyester, which produces vivid color and crisp detail in the printed artwork. The Daruma furoshiki is made from cotton and is larger in size, making it particularly suitable for wrapping clothing or larger items.

What sizes are the furoshiki?
The Hokusai and Hiroshige furoshiki measure approximately 27.5″ × 26.5″ and weigh about 3 oz.
The Daruma furoshiki measures approximately 35.5″ × 35.5″ and also weighs about 3 oz.

Can a furoshiki be used as wall art?
Yes. Because these cloths feature well-known Japanese prints and rich colors, many people display them as wall hangings. A furoshiki can be mounted simply with clips, a dowel rod, or a textile hanger.

Are furoshiki good for wrapping gifts?
Yes. Furoshiki make beautiful gift wrapping. The cloth itself becomes part of the gift, and the recipient can reuse it again and again. In Japan, presenting a gift wrapped in a furoshiki is considered both elegant and thoughtful.