I imagine furoshiki have many interesting stories to tell because of the variety of things they have wrapped – books, bottles, lunches, groceries, gifts, etc. It is always exciting to come across one at a thrift store or church sale.
This is a recent find. It had been hemmed at top and bottom to hang, I suppose, as a curtain, perhaps in a doorway. Usually furoshiki are square and this one is not quite square, maybe because it was suspended.
It is furoshiki material and wraps beautifully.
Here a large heavy book is being enclosed with the opposite corners of the cloth being simply knotted; four corners two knots.
Dah dah.
It carries well.
Here the furoshiki is tied around a knitting project and, slipped on the end of a walking stick, could be held over a shoulder, hobo-style. Or hooked on the handle of an umbrella.
These are all furoshiki; the two on both sides more like napkin material, the lower and upper like scarves.
If you google there are many interesting sites with information and how-to's on this ancient Japanese practice.
Napkins or blankets or dishcloths or scarves can be used, of course. It is fun.