It may look like contemporary graphic design, but the circles and lines of this furoshiki wrapping cloth were inspired by a traditional Japanese sweet — tsunagi dango, skewered dumplings of sticky rice mochi. Surprisingly, the pattern was designed decades ago, by Takehisa Yumeji, a Taisho era (1912-26) artist and poet, so ahead of his time he became known as a pioneer of Japanese graphic design.
To read more about Takehisa Yumeji, take a look at our journal entry about his influence on Japanese art and design.
For other inspiring furoshiki patterns, visit our full collection here.
In 2005, the Kyoto-based Musubi opened its first store dedicated to furoshiki in Tokyo, but it has been designing and making the wrapping cloths for decades. Now working with various other furoshiki makers in Kyoto and collaborating with numerous designers and illustrators, it produces an eclectic range of vibrant patterns and styles — from traditional to geometrically modern. Every design takes in consideration types of fabric and printing processes, and if not made by the company itself, is carefully matched with the ideal maker.
Size 48 x 48 cm (can be fashioned into a bag)
Material : Cotton.
Made in Japan.
