This class is for students in Professor Miya Desjardins' CORE 101: The Aesthetics of Packaging class.

With the guidance of an expert instructor, students will learn about the historical background of furoshiki, as well as the etiquette of Japanese gift culture that shaped different furoshiki styles and their meaning. Especially when used for gifts, subtle details of furoshiki can convey respect and care that go far beyond pleasing aesthetics. Next, the hands-on practice session will cover practical techniques starting with basic knotting and cover some specific wrapping techniques as well, such as fashioning a bag for the farmers’ market, or packaging rectangular objects like lunchboxes, or stylishly wrapping up a bottle for a home party.

Participants will come away with their very own furoshiki cloth to take home, and the knowledge to continue using in their daily life as a way to reduce waste and channel the versatile beauty of this tradition. With a single cloth, sometimes known as “the infinite square”, furoshiki can empower us to weave ancient sustainability into our lifestyles in a way that’s never been more relevant.