Furoshiki (風呂敷, furoshiki) are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that were frequently used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. Although possibly dating back as far as the Nara period, the name, meaning “bath spread”, derives from the Edo period practice of using them to bundle clothes while at the sentō (public baths;public furo). Before becoming associated with public baths, furoshiki were known as hirazutsumi (平包), or flat folded bundle. Eventually, the furoshiki’s usage extended to serve as a means for merchants to transport their wares or to protect and decorate a gift.
Modern furoshiki can be made of a variety of cloths, including silk, chirimen, cotton, rayon, and nylon. Furoshiki are often decorated with traditional designs or by shibori. There is no one set size for furoshiki, they can range from hand sized to larger than bed-sheets. The most common sizes are 45 cm (17.7 inch) and 68–72 cm (26.7-28.3 inch).
Although there are still furoshiki users in Japan, their numbers declined in the post-war period, in large part due to the proliferation of the plastic shopping bag. In recent years, it has seen a renewed interest as environmental protection became a concern. Furoshikiare, however, commonly used to wrap and transport lunch boxes (bento) and often double as a table mat for the lunch. (Courtesy Wikipedia)
Durban based Freshly Found is an online Furnishings and Accessories Boutique which stocks awesome bags, yard designs, trinkets & trims, vintage attire, ornaments, cushions, yarn design, and Furoshiki bags.
Freshly Found excel in adding a unique twist to their products, so by using Furoshiki Bags made from a hemmed square of rescued vintage sari fabric they have added a totally unique local spin to a uniquely Japanese tradition. The sari fabric square is folded and knotted to form a Furoshiki Bag.
The Furoshiki bag can be used as a handbag, carry bag or decorative storage bag. It can be bundled up and kept in your handbag as a spare shopping bag. Although the fabric is delicate, each bag can carry a fair amount of weight.
Furoshiki Bags come in a wide variety of colours. You can contact Freshly Found to find out what’s in at the moment.
Read more about these bags on their blog
These bags are proudly hand made in KZN, South Africa.
The online price is R60, and you can also buy them at the Freshly Found stall at I Heart Market.
(All photographs are courtesy Freshly Found)
MOOKI NOODLES 