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Several sheets of furoshiki are always kept in every home in
Japan, regardless of use. TAKEMURA Akihiko, a lover of furoshiki,
says in his book Furoshiki that their rich patterns and designs,
and the beautiful method of tying them make furoshiki a unique
and traditional Japanese culture, though the custom of wrapping
articles in cloth has existed in Southeast Asia and the Middle
East.
The custom of using cloth for wrapping in Japan began as early
as the Nara Era(710-794) and the name "furoshiki,"
which combines the words "furo" meaning "bath"
and a form of the verb "shiku" meaning "to spread,"
dates back to the Edo Era(1603-1868) when public baths were in
fashion, and people carried their belongings in a square cloth,
then spread the cloth for use as a bath-mat.
There are 20 different types of Furoshiki, ranging in size from
20 to 240 square centimeters. The most common size is about 75
square centimeters, and the most popular is 45 square centimeters.
Materials used to make furoshiki include silk, wool, cotton,
rayon, and other chemical fibers. Patterns and colors are of
a wide variety, from plain-colored with a family name or crest
to fine, traditional patterns, and even modern patterns.
There are three basic ways of wrapping with furoshiki:
1. hirazutsumi (平包み = just wrapping),
2.hitotsumusubi(一つ結び
= with one knot), and
3.futatsumusubi(二つ結び =
with two knots).
Other methods are all variations.
Some practical methods of wrapping furoshiki are as follows:
1. Hirazutsumi is the most courteous method
of wrapping, it is suitable for wrapping gifts in silk crepe
furoshiki.
2. Otsukaizutsumi(お使い包み)
is the most popular way of wrapping square articles.
3. Binzutsumi(びん包み) is a method of wrapping
long bottles.
4. Kakushizutsumi(隠し包み), a modification of otsukaizutsumi,
is a good way of wrapping heavy articles.
5. Makizutsumi(巻き包み) is a method for wrapping
cylindrical articles such as tea canisters and scrolls.
6. Hikkakezutsumi(ひっかけ包み) is a two-knot method
for wrapping rectangular boxes
7. Suikazutsumi(すいか包み) is the method used for
wrapping watermelons.
NOTE: Cotton furoshiki should be tied tightly, while silk ones
should be tied lightly.
There are a few rules regarding the wrapping of money-envelopes
given to express congratulations or condolences. First, small,
45 square centimeters furoshiki should be used. For happy events,
patterns such as pines, bamboo, and plums should be used. For
unhappy events, lotus-leaf patterns are used. Purple furoshiki
with no pattern can be used for either occasion. The left end
of the furoshiki should be folded first for happy occasions,
while the right end is folded first for unhappy events. It is
good manners to unwrap and present the article, keeping the furoshiki.
Furoshiki are often used as hats, hair accessories, scarves, dresses or slacks,
bags,
etc. They can also be used for interior decorating as a tapestry or tablecloth.
It is indeed a "magic" cloth -a simple sheet of cloth
of infinite shapes and functions.
(For further information about furoshiki, contact the Furoshiki
Kenkyu Kai at tel. 075-432-2722. fax.075-432-3832)
Y. matsuda
References:
"A Bit of Kansai: Wrap up your troubles in your old furoshiki"
Stephanie L. Cook. Japan times. July 2, 1994.
Data from Furoshiki Kenkyu Kai represented by MORITA Chizuko.
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