The Furoshiki is a square of fabric, which can be used to wrap various things, for transport, or as a gift.
During the Muromachi era, furoshiki was originally used to pack clothes in public baths (Onsen) and easily recognize them.
Today it can be used to make a chic gift wrap, an improvised picnic basket or a decorative fashion accessory, or, returning to its origin, use it to pack its practical belongings.
On this Furoshiki, we find 2 symbols quite often combined: the Kiri and the Karakusa.
The Kiri, or Paulownia Leaf, was designated as an emblem for important people under Emperor Go-Daigo (14thc), became the emblem of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, before still being today the Mon (emblem) of the Cabinet of the Japanese Prime Minister, associated with power.
Kiri – 桐 is the Japanese name that can mean ‘life’, its fast-growing leaves fall throughout the year and symbolize loneliness and evoke the past.
The Karakusa 唐草, Arabesque, is a motif imported from China in the Nara period (710-794). The Kanji 'Kara' 唐 stands for 'China, Foreigner, Tang dynasty (618-907)' and the Kanji 'Kusa' 草 stands for 'plants'.
Arabesques represent a plant in the process of growing, pushing, and spreading endlessly in all directions.
It has become a symbol of prosperity and longevity.
100% cotton
Size: 100 x 100 cm
Ueda
