風呂敷 / Furoshiki
"Furoshiki" is a type of Japanese traditional wrapping cloth,which may look like a large handkerchief. It isused to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods.
Before becoming associated with public baths, furoshiki was known as hirazutsumi, or flat folded bundle. Currently Furoshiki are made of different fabrics, including silk, cotton, rayon and nylon. And though this art remains popular in Japan, its use has declined because of the modern high demand for plastic bags. In recent years the Japanese Environment Ministry has organized several campaigns to promote the use of Furoshiki again, to ensure environment protection in Japan and worldwide.
