Furoshiki Cloth/Origin

Origin
Furoshiki (風呂敷) are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth traditionally used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. It began to be used in the mid-Nara Era, in traditional Japanese baths (Onsen), to not confuse or mix the clothes. So they use the Furoshiki and let their clothes above it. Over the time it began to spread and to be used by traders to protect their goods or their gifts.

Currently Furoshikis are made of different fabrics, including silk, cotton, rayon and nylon. And though this art remains popular in Japan, its use has declined due today high demand for plastic bags.

In recent years the Japanese Environment Ministry has been organizing several campaigns to promote the use of Furoshiki again, to ensure environment protection in Japan and worldwide.