Description
What is Furoshiki?
Furoshiki is a piece of square towel that people from Japan have been using to wrap gifts and carry groceries for generations. Due to its unique pattern, size and weaving style, this 100% high quality towel can be used in a variety of different ways.
About the pattern
The pattern of the Furoshiki Kohare Aquadrop Hummingbird Green shows the hummingbird drinking nectar from the flower. The hummingbird symbolizes many different concepts. Because of its speed, the hummingbird is known as a messenger and stopper of time. It is also a symbol of love, joy, and beauty. The hummingbird is also able to fly backwards, teaching us that we can look back on our past. But, this bird also teaches that we must not dwell on our past; we need to move forward. When the hummingbird hovers over flowers while drinking nectar, we learn that we should savor each moment, and appreciate the things we love.
About the designer
Nobuyuki Takai is a pupil of Japanese National Treasure Keisuke Serizawa. Takai is a master of the katazome stencil dye process. His daughter Chie Takai, known as Kata Kata, is also a renowned katazome artist.
Material and water-repellency
This Furoshiki is made from 100% high quality polyester and treated with a strong water-repellent coating. The material is much lighter than traditional cotton, but also a little less sturdy. It dries very quickly if wet and does not wrinkle easily. Therefore, this towel is perfect for any short- or long-term travel. It folds and packs up very small, to fit almost every space and will be ready when you need it. Note that the effectiveness of the water-repellency will decrease over time, since the coating wears off, however the coating is fairly durable.
Due to the water-repellent surface, this Furoshiki is the perfect companion on rainy days or in wet conditions. Use it as mat for picnicking on moist grass, wrap up wet clothes after a swim, or protect sensible items when you get caught in the rain. The towel is also a great cover to shield from rain such as on a stroller or over the head. Otherwise the towel has all the advantages as a traditional cotton Furoshiki.
How can you use the Furoshiki?
Furoshiki Kohare Aquadrop Hummingbird Green can be used as handy shopping bag using either a two or three knot method (see instructional video to learn how). The bag size and handles can instantly be adjusted to suit your needs. It can also be used as a thin blanket, or can be spread as a picnic or beach towel. The Furoshiki can even be hung on the wall as a decorative piece of art. Wearing Furoshiki as a scarf or a headband has also become popular among young women. It can even be hung on the wall as a beautiful piece of art or used as a tablecloth, the uses are endless!
Maintaining your Furoshiki is easy, simply machine wash 30 degrees Celsius, ironing is not needed. Furoshiki is not only beautiful, useful and easy to handle, it also stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills. Using the multipurpose and multifunctional Furoshiki can reduce waste from both wrapping and shopping.
Furoshiki Kohare Aquadrop Hummingbird Green is lightweight and can easily be carried in a purse or backpack, car, or even worn as a scarf or accessory; eliminating the need to buy shopping bags or use disposable plastic bags when shopping. We all forget our reusable bags sometimes, but when Furoshiki is always with you, you are never without a bag!
For more information on how to bind and knot Furoshiki, check out our instructional videos and pictures. Stay confident with Furoshiki, it’s as easy as tying your shoes!
About the designer
Nobuyuki Takai is a disciple of Takeshi Yamauchi who used to be a disciple of the famous Keisuke Serizawa, a dyer designated as a living national treasure. Nobuyuki Takai is known for pattern dyeing and Tsutsu Gaki (one of the techniques of dye). The traits of his design are expressed in the lively lines and shapes of his work.
