- about Furoshiki
In Japanese, to wrap is called “Tsutsumu,” which comes from the Japanese “Tsutsumashii,” meaning modest.
The furoshiki, which is used to Tsutsumu, signifies the mind of the Japanese people. The ability to gently wrap anything, and when the job is done, becomes one piece of cloth, illimitably close to nothingness. It also coincides with the Buddhist teachings.
Although the artistic pieces for display are exquisite, I would like to pursue the actual use of Furoshiki in daily life with the passion for its various uses.
The oldest Furoshiki’s that existent today are preserved at the Shosoin. Although many cultures around the world have developed a way to use cloth as a wrapping device, in Japan, it developed inconjunction with the Buddhist ideas.
For example, at Eiheiji Temple, furoshikis are a commodity. A newly monk may only take with them their minimum necessities accordingly to rules, however, a furoshiki is one of those necessary supplies. When not in use, it is folded, and when we need it, it is unfolded as can wrap anything.
Moreoever, if becomes dirty, it is easily washed and dried; a furoshiki was a necessary tool for a buddhist life.
Because Japan is an island, the wisdom to use the limited supplies in various ways was developed. The fact that the Edo culture was a role model for a sustainable development lifestyle,is widely known, however the westernization after the war years has developed issues for wasting these limited supplies, such as the vast amount of wasted plastic
bags in supermarkets. The number of people carrying eco friendly tote bags have increased, whereas an easily foldable, easily carried around, and an easily washed and dried furoshiki could be called the eco-bag of the 21st century, with a freestyle design.
“Delivering a precious gift wrapped together with the precious feelings. Receiving the gift, then carefully folding the furoshiki with the thankful feelings and returning it. To value things, was first nature to people in the old days.”
The Takumi spoke quietly. I was embarrassed by imagining myself ripping and throwing out gift wraps back home.
“Why am I the Takumi for KNOM?” he asked.
"It is because you are creating a Lifestyle, conveyable to the world" I answered.
"After its use as a furoshiki, it can be used as a floor wipe Zokin, or any other ways to serve the human lifestyle; that is its ultimate job.” he said.
It reminded me of the recycling culture in Japan that used deteriorated kimonos for towels or floor wipes. The Takumi’s furoshiki, dwelled upon the experiences of the lifestyle after the war at the temple, is used and loved by the world
After the interview, the Takumi took me to his strolling course by the Hino river. His white hair ruffles in the clear wind. “Isn’t this a lovely place?” he said, as he reached out his experienced hands towards the sky.
I wish to convey the Takumi’s message to the world. Dreaming a world of people living happily, wrapped by the beautiful nature.
