(c) Furoshiki Study Group
The Japan Foundation and local cultural and governmental agencies will present a lecture and workshop about “Furoshiki” wrapping textiles with three instructors from Japan in July at Los Angeles, Denver, and Portland, Oregon.
Furoshiki is a square piece of cloth used for various purposes such as wrapping and carrying items of different shapes and sizes.
The cloth is dyed in various colors with different patterns and is commonly used as gift wrappers, table covers, or interior decorations.
The etymology of Furoshiki goes back to the Edo Period (1603-1868), when public bathhouses became widely accessible.
People called the cloth used at bathhouses: Furoshiki is literally meaning “bath mat.”
What they used to place or wrap worn clothes was eventually used by merchants to transport goods for sale, and also by travelers to carry their belongings.
The tradition was then handed down as an indispensable aspect of Japanese lifestyle through many generations.
Although the custom and culture of Furoshiki faded away with time, there has been a resurgence, since the late 1970’s, in its use as a way to protect the global environment.
As a result, new applications for the Furoshiki were developed which parts from their traditional usage.
The main advantage of Furoshiki is that it can be reused over and over again. By using Furoshiki, people can reduce the use of disposable plastic bags and wrapping paper, thereby save resources and the environment at large.
The lecture and workshop will be presented by Furoshiki Study Group in Kyoto with three instructors: Ms. Akiko Sakai, Ms. Naomi Ando, and Ms. Keiko Fukuda.
(c) Furoshiki Study Group
Thursday, July 8, 7:00pm in Los Angeles
Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro Street, the Cultural Room on 5th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 628-2725.
Admission Free, Space is limited, RSVP to culture@jflalc.org
call (213) 621-2267 ext.109 or fax: (213) 617-2590
This workshop is sponsored by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and the Japan Foundation, and supported by the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles.
Saturday, July 10, 2:30pm in Denver
Denver Art Museum, 100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204. North Building, Lower Level. (720) 865-5000
Admission Free, Space is limited, RSVP to cgjd-jnow@qwest.net or call (303) 534-1151
Exhibition is free to guests of the Denver Art Museum. The museum admissions are $ 10 for Colorado residents and $ 8 for seniors and college Students with valid ID. www.denverartmuseum.org
This workshop is sponsored by the Denver Art Museum, the Consulate-General of Japan at Denver and the Japan Foundation.
Monday, July 12, 2:00pm in Portland, Oregon
Portland General Electric, World Trade Center Portland, Plaza Conference Room
121 SW Salmon Street, 2WTC, Portland, OR 97204, (503) 464-8688.
Admission Free, Space is limited, RSVP to culture@cgjpdx.org
This workshop is sponsored by Portland General Electric, the Consulate-General of Japan in Portland, and the Japan Foundation, and supported by Japan-America Society of Oregon.
