Furoshiki 風呂敷

Furoshiki (風呂敷) are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth traditionally used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. It began to be used in the mid-Nara Era (7th century AD). Over the time it began to spread and to be used by traders to protect their goods or their gifts.

Currently Furoshikis are made of different fabrics, including silk, cotton, rayon and nylon. And though this art remains popular in Japan, its use has declined due today high demand for plastic bags.

From WIkipedia