Furoshiki-The Art of Wrapping

Check out the new display at Brighton Museum, which explores Japan's fascinating and unique custom of Furoshiki.

Furoshiki unravelled
Furoshiki are decorative textiles used in Japan, as well as other cultures, for wrapping and carrying both everyday objects and special ceremonial gifts.

This new display at Brighton Museum demonstrates the range of styles and uses of furoshiki over four centuries, brought up-to-date with cloths made from recycled plastic bottles.

From hand painted banners to Snoopy
The wide variety of examples on display include a 19th century cloth made from a hand-painted banner, furoshiki which appeal to children with images of Snoopy, designs using symbols of good fortune and happiness, plus a brand new form produced with the words of a song raised in Braille.

Recent resurgence in Furoshiki
There has recently been a resurgence of interest in the design, production and use of furoshiki in Japan and new examples range from preserving traditional symbolic images for wedding gifts to designs showing images of endangered animals.

Leading textile designer
Amongst the contemporary examples on display are two furoshiki especially commissioned from Hiroyuki Shindo, one of Japan's foremost textile artists.

The use of furoshiki also strikes a chord with current concerns about environmental issues around packaging. The Art of Wrapping continues until 17 August 2008. Admission is free.