Furoshiki - it's a wrap!

I imagine furoshiki have many interesting stories to tell because of the variety of things they have wrapped - books, bottles,  lunches,  groceries,  gifts,  etc.  It is always exciting to come across one at a thrift store or church sale.

This is a recent find. It had been hemmed at top and bottom to hang, I suppose, as a curtain, perhaps in a doorway.  Usually furoshiki are square and this one is not quite square, maybe because it was suspended. 

It is furoshiki material and wraps beautifully.

Here a large heavy book is being enclosed with the opposite corners of the cloth being simply knotted;  four corners two knots.

Dah dah.

It carries well.

Here the furoshiki is tied around a knitting project and, slipped on the end of a walking stick,  could be held over a shoulder, hobo-style.  Or hooked on the handle of an umbrella.

These are all furoshiki;  the two on both sides more like napkin material,  the lower and upper like scarves.

If you google there are many interesting sites with information and how-to's on this ancient Japanese practice. 

Napkins or blankets or dishcloths or scarves can be used, of course.  It is fun.