traditional furoshiki wrapping

furoshiki wrapping against garden wave pattern In the days before wrapping paper, paper or plastic bags, the Japanese wrapped up parcels (everyday items like books to be carried around, or presents for an acquaintance) using large cloths called furoshiki. There are elaborate ways for wrapping and knotting depending on the size and shape of the contents. Even a bottle of sake liquor can be sophisticatedly wrapped with a furoshiki!