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The curious world of square-cloth – lecture and workshop on Furoshiki

The curious world of square-cloth – lecture and workshop on Furoshiki

Furoshiki image - © The Furoshiki Study GroupThis Thursday, July 8th, 2010, at the JACCC, there is a rare and exciting opportunity for Americans audiences to experience a workshop all about Furoshiki.

This instructional demonstration is being presented by The Japan Foundation, Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, as well as the Consulate General of Japan at Denver and Consulate General of Japan at Portland.

About Furoshiki:

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” (literally meaning “bath mat”).

This became what they used to place or wrap worn clothes, and 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.

MODERN 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.

WHO:

Ms. Akiko Sakai, Instructor of the Furoshiki Study Group

Ms. Naomi Ando, Instructor of the Furoshiki Study Group

Ms. Keiko Fukuda, Instructor of the Furoshiki Study Group

Presented by the Furoshiki Study Group

More information here.

WHEN:

Thursday, July 8th, 2010, 7:00pm

WHERE:

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

244 S. San Pedro Street, the Cultural Room on 5th floor

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Tel: 213.628.2725

Admission is FREE

Space is limited, so please RSVP to culture@jflalc.org

Tel: 213.621.2267 ext.109

or Fax: 213.617.2590

Sponsored by Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

Supported by Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles

US TOUR DATES:

DENVER, COLORADO

WHEN:

Saturday, July 10, 2010, 2:30pm

WHERE:

Denver, CO
Saturday, July 10, 2010, 2:30pm

Denver Art Museum

100 W 14th Ave Pkwy, Denver, CO 80204.

North Building, Lower Level

Tel: 720.865.5000

Admission Free, Space is limited,

RSVP to cgjd-jnow@qwest.net

or Tel# 303.534.1151

Visitor Fees
Exhibition is free to guests of the Museum.

A fee is required to enter the Museum.

$ 10 Entrance Fee per CO residents
$ 8 for Seniors and College Students with valid ID (CO Residents)
Information: www.denverartmuseum.org

Sponsored by Denver Art Museum

Portland, OR

Monday, July 12, 2010, 2:00pm

WHEN:

PORTLAND, OREGON

Monday, July 12, 2010, 2:00pm

WHERE:

Portland General Electric

World Trade Center Portland

Plaza Conference Room

121 SW Salmon St., 2WTC, Portland, OR 97204

Tel: 503.464.8688

Admission Free, Space is limited,

RSVP to culture@cgjpdx.org

Sponsored by Portland General Electric

Supported by Japan-America Society of Oregon

Attached photo –  © The Furoshiki Study Group

Report by Pauline Adamek

Pauline Adamek

Pauline Adamek is a Los Angeles-based arts enthusiast with over three decades of experience covering International Film Festivals and reviewing new Theatre productions, Film releases, Art exhibitions, Opera and Restaurants.

1 comment

  • Neat article.

    I was in Japan umpteen years ago and everything was
    either wrapped in fabric or paper – – even the tiniest,
    and expensive things; as if everything was a gift.

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