Bento wrapped with cloth using the Otsukai Tsutsumi technique, the most basic and one of the hundreds of Furoshiki techniques.

Gift wrap or decorated paper bag? When it comes to gift giving, these seem to be the only options when it comes to optimizing gift presentation. Long ago, the Japanese decided to create their own means of carrying and presenting gifts.

Furoshiki is a wrapping technique using a piece of square patterned cloth. The technique is said to have been practiced for at least 1,200 years and can be used to transport gifts or to carry items such as bento (stackable container for home-cooked meal) or tumblers. A simple version of this wrapping technique can also be found in small villages in Indonesia, a practice maintained by older woman at traditional markets.

For the Japanese, furoshiki is not merely an artsy statement, but a tradition. It is also a technique that promotes eco-friendly living.

“When the Japanese want to present someone with a gift, they don’t just put it in a plastic bag or just give it as is. They try their best to present their gift in the most attractive way they can. As it turns out, using a piece of cloth is their preferred method. Cloth can be reused over and over so the aesthetic value they pursue translates to an eco-friendly lifestyle,” said craft enthusiast Prameshwari Budiristio.

Prameshwari, also known as Ames, recently attended a restaurant event at Plaza Festival to host a workshop on how to pack lunch or wrap a gift using the furoshiki technique. Ames demonstrated the Otsukai Tsutsumi technique (basic carry) and the Katakake Fukuro technique (shoulder carry).

The Otsukai Tsutsumi is the most basic furoshiki technique and is commonly used to enable a person to carry a box containing home-prepared food, or to carry anything shaped like a box. Ensuring that the least desirable side of the material is facing upward, the box is placed at the center of the cloth. Pick up the bottom corner of the cloth, cover the box with it and then do the same with the top corner. Then take the left and right corner of the cloth to make a knot. Fold the top corner that is sticking out from underneath the box. The package is ready to be carried.

The second technique, Katakake Fukuro, allows an item to be carried over the shoulder. The items are first placed in the middle of the cloth, again ensuring that the back of the cloth is facing upwards. Next, tie opposite corners of the cloth across the middle. Then, tie a knot with each of the two remaining corners. We can then pick up the “bag” from the middle knot and carry it over one shoulder.

These techniques are just two among hundreds of Furoshiki techniques, including Kakushi Tsutsumi (hidden knot), Tesage Bukuro (hand carry), and Hon Tsutsumi (two-book carry). The technique is selected according to the shape of the item. For instance, if an item is ball-shaped, the Suika Tsutsumi technique (watermelon carry) is appropriate, but if the item is a bottle, the Bin Tsutsumi technique (bottle carry) technique is more appropriate.

The cloth used for wrapping must be square and while any material can be used, cotton, chiffon or silk is ideal. No smaller than 45x45cm, the square can vary in size up to 80x80cm.

“It’s very interesting that we can wrap and carry something using only a piece of cloth. There are many ways to wrap it,” said Ames, who began using the Furoshiki wrapping technique in 2012.

It has become increasingly imperative to decrease plastic waste and strive towards environmental sustainability. Furoshiki is a fun and practical alternative, an unconventional method to present a gift and or carrying items that can reduce the use of paper and plastics.

— The writer - Photos Frederica S. Priyanto is an intern at The Jakarta Post

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