Japanese Wrapping Techniques Using Tenugui & Furoshiki
“Tenugui and Furoshiki cloth are both iconic parts of Japanese culture, blending art with practical use. ”
History of Tenugui & Furoshiki
The tenugui, a thin cotton towel, was first used by nobles in religious ceremonies way back in the Heian period (794-1185). As cotton became more common, everybody started using tenugui for things like wiping their hands, or as a stylish headband.
The furoshiki is a larger square cloth that has been around since the Nara period (710-794). "Furoshiki" means "bath spread," as people used it to wrap up their clothes at public baths. As time went on, people found lots of other uses for furoshiki, like carrying or storing things. During the Edo period (1603-1868), it became popular to decorate furoshiki with beautiful designs.
Both tenugui and furoshiki show the Japanese idea of mottainai, or not wasting things. These cloths can be used in many different ways, and they're also part of the art of origata, the special way of wrapping gifts in Japan.
Japanese Wrapping Methods
Tenugui
As Gift Wrap
Small gift with a Letter
For Bycicle
Pouch
Photo & Video Credit to Kamawanu
Furoshiki
Photo Credit to Musubi
This is a classic Japanese cloth “手ぬぐい” (Tenugui) made from light cotton. A Tenugui is a multipurpose towel that is typically used as a table runner, lunch box wrapper, a hair tie or a hand towel. As a highly versatile towel, this tenugui is flexible for a wide variety of uses and it is often presented as a gift item due to their versatility. This lightweight cotton is easy to use and quick to dry after washing.
For Tenugui Wrapping Techniques, please click here.
Dimensions: 34 x 90cm
Material: 100% Cotton
Place of Origin: Japan
Instructions for Care
Hand-wash separately and do not leave to soak.
As each item is hand-dyed, there may be some loss of colour due to rubbing.