The history of Furoshiki goes back to the Nara period (710-794) and was originally called tsutsumi, which means wrapping. It was used exclusively to protect precious items found in Japanese temples and for safe keeping the Emperors’ valuables.

During the Heian period (794-1185) the Furoshiki was used to wrap and carry the clothes of Noble families.

In the Muromachi Period (1338-1573) Shogun (General) Ashikaga built a large bathhouse in Kyoto. The feudal lords (from various regions of Japan) invited to bathe, used to identify silk clothes or kimonos, by printing their family crests on them. It helped recognize which kimono belonged to whom. These clothes also served as bathmats, the reason behind Furoshiki’s name: Bathing which represents furo in Japanese and shiki, a rugto sit or stand on.

Throughout the Edo Period (1603- 1868), as public bathhouses became popular, the Furoshiki was used in two ways: as a mat to stand on while undressing and a cloth wrap to carry one’s bathing articles and clothes. During this period, the Furoshiki became widely popular amongst all social classes. When cities developed, it served as a means for merchants to carry their goods such as: food, tools, delicate items, gifts and bottles-among other things, becoming a functional and essential instrument for the working class. Although the ancient Furoshiki was made from natural materials, nowadays one can find styles from a variety of materials including silk, cotton and synthetics.

The use of the Furoshiki declined in the post-war era after the invention of the plastic bag. Nevertheless, we at Saltamontes believe in learning from ancient traditions to lead more eco-friendly lifestyles. Using a furoshiki will allow you to protect our environment in a stylish and fashionable manner.  

The Furoshiki’s versatility allows you to reduce plastic bag usage. As shown below, our Wrapping Cloth can be used over and over in different forms: fold and knot to create a bag, untie, then re-fold and re-knot to create another. The furoshiki can become a shoulder bag, a casual handbag or a beautiful gift wrap.