MUSUBI × COCHAE – Furoshiki 100 cm – Whale in the Morning Sun Blue

A large Japanese cotton furoshiki inspired by the folk culture of Nagasaki, designed by COCHAE for MUSUBI.

The bold blue, red and white composition combines two traditional Nagasaki motifs: the Nagasaki Hata, a distinctive local kite, and the Whale’s Blowout, a traditional whale-shaped folk toy.

In Nagasaki, kites are known as hata. Their striking red, blue and white geometric designs are said to have reached Nagasaki through contacts with China and the Netherlands around the 15th century. They have also become associated with good fortune: the idea of a kite rising into the sky evokes rising luck and prosperity.

The black whale refers to the traditional Nagasaki papier-mâché “Whale’s Blowout”. It is inspired by the spectacular whale float that appears during Nagasaki Kunchi, the annual festival of Suwa Shrine. The full-size float recreates a scene of traditional whaling and even sprays water from the whale’s back. The whale was historically regarded as a symbol of the prosperity of Nagasaki.

COCHAE brings these references together in a striking contemporary graphic design while retaining their connection to regional Japanese folk culture.

How to use

At 100 × 100 cm, this large furoshiki offers plenty of possibilities. Use it to wrap larger gifts and objects, tie it into a generous reusable bag, or wear it as a scarf. MUSUBI specifically highlights the soft feel of the fabric and recommends this model for wearing as well as wrapping.

Its bold graphic composition also works particularly well as an interior textile or tapestry. When not in use, the cloth folds flat and can be reused again and again.

Details

• Approx. 100 × 100 cm
• 100% cotton
• Made in Japan