FUROSHIKI Demonstration/Lecture

～Let's try art of FUROSHIKI together!～

FUROSHIKI means traditional Japanese clothes used to artistically wrap various objects.

In November 2011 the Embassy of Japan with support from its partners will organize the FUROSHIKI Demonstration/Lecture delivered by the three Japanese specialists dispatched by the Japan Foundation for this purpose. This will provide a unique and great opportunity to feel and try the art of FUROSHIKI on your own!

(Subject to prior reservation – please read carefully 'How To Participate' below).

Schedule:

(1) November 1, 2011 15:00-17:00

Venue: I. Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University

(36, Chavchavadze Ave.)

(2) November 2, 2011 15:00-17:00

Venue: Free University of Tbilisi

(Bedia Str., Nutsubidze Plateau, I Micro District)

*These events will be held in Japanese language with the translation into Georgian.

How To Participate: IMPORTANT!

- Please, MAKE SURE TO HAVE A PRIOR RESERVATION with the Embassy of Japan by e-mail at: （culture@tb.mofa.go.jp）

- The number of the participants for each Demonstration/Lecture will be limited to no more than 35 persons, and therefore participation will be reserved in order of receiving respective request e-mails from those wishing to attend. Those visitors who would not have made such prior reservation with the Embassy, MAY NOT be able to attend due to a limited number of seats.

What is FUROSHIKI?

FUROSHIKI stands for square pieces of cloth used to bundle up various articles to carry or store away. Those were used since olden times in Japan, and were mentioned in writings of the 8th century as tsutsumi (a bundle) referring to a cloth wrapping the treasures of Shoso-in (Imperial Treasury at Todai-ji Temple).

The history of FUROSHIKI, literally meaning 'bath spread,' dates back to the 14th century when Shogun Yoshimitsu Ashikaga built a large bathhouse to entertain feudal lords. Each lord used a piece of cloth with his family crest printed on it to wrap and store his own belongings while taking a bath, and then to stand on it for changing clothes. This practice later became common during the Edo period (17th century) together with the popularization of public bath.

Now FUROSHIKI represents a unique "wrapping culture" of Japan to make various beautiful forms of wrapping. FUROSHIKI itself is a beautiful piece of cloth made of cotton or silk, and often patterned with decorative designs like flowers and birds. Also, given an increased focus on environment as of late, this art attracts renewed attention as such wrappings can be used over and over again.

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