Description
The print of this wonderful Furoshiki features the masterpiece “Woman Playing a Poppin” from the Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro. The artwork shows a wealthy girl who is blowing a poppin, a foreign-made glass pipe that produces a popping sound. At the time of this print’s creation, the poppin was a fashionable item, which highlights the rich class of old merchant townsmen. With such an artistic print, this Furoshiki is not only great as a bag or for gift wrapping, but also as a table cover or wall decoration.
More in-depth information about the artwork is available on this comprehensive website.
About the collection
The Ukiyo-e Furoshiki collection by Musubi feature many famous prints within the Ukiyo-e genre of Japanese art. All arts are printed from woodblocks produced by the artists.
About the artist
Well into his 30s, Japanese artist Kitagawa Utamaro experimented with various decorative applications and drawing styles for his Ukiyo-e (a 17th to 19th century art genre) woodblock prints. After mastering a number of techniques, the then 40-year-old Utamaro got his big break when he began making prints of beautiful women, which he is known for today.
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 patterns, size and weaving style, this 100% high quality Cotton towel can be used in a plethora of different ways. Originally, Furoshiki were used in Japanese thermal baths to wrap up clothes, but modern Furoshiki are not only functional but also fashionable, which makes them even more useful and versatile. Furoshiki is not only beautiful, useful and easy to handle, it also stimulates creativity and problem-solving skills. Using the multi-purpose and multifunctional Furoshiki can reduce waste both wrapping and shopping.
How can I use my Furoshiki?
The Furoshiki Ukiyo-e / Young Woman Blowing a Poppin can be used as a strong 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!
Furoshiki is there when you need it
Furoshiki 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! Furoshiki is also great for travelling to organize clothes in your suitcase, as a bath towel on the beach or a throw-on towel on chilly evenings at the seaside.
Furoshiki instructions and videos
For more information on how to bind and knot Furoshiki, check out our instructional videos and pictures, or visit our information page for more details and guidance on your Furoshiki journey. Stay confident with Furoshiki, it's as easy as tying your shoes once you get the hang of it! If you like to learn more techniques, you are also very welcome to join one of our Furoshiki workshops and courses we host frequently throughout Switzerland with our trusted partners.
