The history of furoshiki, Japanese gift wrapping

Furoshiki is a folding and knotting technique from a Japanese tradition that is more than a thousand years old! A square of fabric is folded to make a container or packaging. In its country of origin, it is considered a true art, constantly nourished by new patterns and creative knots. Furoshiki is in a way "the origami of fabric".

The roots of this method

The use of cloth to wrap goods is believed to date back to the 8th century during the Nara era (710 – 784). This method was originally used to elegantly store the most valuable possessions of Japanese noble families, particularly in the Shosoin, a "treasure house" located in the great Buddhist temple of Tōdai-ji in the city of Nara.

Later, with the Heian era (794-1185), this aesthetic folding gradually spread to the upper class and was used mainly to pack clothes when traveling. This is where its old name comes from, "koromotzusumi" which can be translated as "clothing packaging".

The modern term "furoshiki" appeared during the Edo period (1603-1868). It can be translated as "bath mat". Indeed, at the time this method was used in public baths, the "Sentō" to wrap clothes, accessories and jewelry in order to prevent them from being exchanged by mistake. To easily differentiate these "packages", they were also traditionally decorated with patterns and often adorned with the family crest.

The popularization of furoshiki

It was during the Meiji era (1868-1912) that furoshiki really became popular, with its use spreading widely to the rest of the Japanese population. This was made possible by technological and industrial advances that allowed them to be made on a larger scale, particularly with the emergence of sewing machines. It was then used as a practical and versatile means of transporting and protecting everyday objects such as daily groceries or bentō.

With the emergence of plastic in the mid-20th century, furoshiki gradually fell into disuse, often replaced by plastic bags or single-use packaging.

More current than ever

It was finally in the 21st century that furoshiki made a strong comeback and became known throughout the rest of the world. Its success is naturally part of the emergence of the zero waste movement and the desire to reduce one's environmental footprint.

With Paké , our mission is to breathe a breath of modernity into this tradition and to create a true ethical French furoshiki. We are proud of our creations that combine design and eco-responsibility, thanks to our 100% recycled vegan fabrics, woven and made in France! Cocorico 🇫🇷 🐓