Announcing the release of Keiko Furoshiki’s second collection, The Wagara Collection. This new collection builds on the success of our Garden Collection and introduces eight stunning new designs that draw deeply from traditional Japanese patterns, known as wagara.

The Wagara Collection: Honoring the Tradition of Traditional Japanese Patterns

The furoshiki in the Wagara Collection are more than just reusable fabric gift wrap—they represent a personal reflection of designer Keiko Kira’s heritage, memories, and art. Each design pays homage to the timeless appeal of wagara patterns, which are an essential part of Japanese culture and history.

For Keiko, this collection brings back childhood memories of her fascination with colors and traditional crafts. Through these prints, she captures the essence of her heritage and love for the artistic patterns that have been cherished in Japan for centuries.

What are Wagara Patterns?

Wagara refers to traditional Japanese patterns that have been used for centuries in textiles, ceramics, and other forms of art. These motifs are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and often symbolize aspects of nature, such as waves, leaves, and geometric shapes inspired by flora and fauna.

Each wagara pattern carries its own meaning and history, with designs like asanoha (hemp leaf) representing growth and strength, and seigaiha (blue ocean waves) symbolizing peace and good fortune. These patterns continue to be celebrated in modern designs, preserving their timeless beauty and cultural significance.

Introducing the New Keiko Furoshiki Prints

The Wagara Collection features eight beautiful designs that incorporate both classic and modern interpretations of wagara. Each furoshiki in the collection measures 25x25 inches and is made from certified recycled polyester twill. This is a change from the satin material used in the previous collection. These designs, crafted with sustainability in mind, retail for $20 each.

Here are the names of the prints you can expect to find in this collection:

Infinite Shippo, an auspicious repeating circle wagara pattern in a purple inspired by the wisteria flowers in Kyoto. 

 
Kanoko Forest, a bright interpretation of the shibori technique that mimics the markings on baby deer in early summer. 

Asanoha Stripe, combining the auspicious wishes of health and growth of the asanoha hemp plant and the protection of temple Torii gates.

Horizon Seigaiha, representing the warm sun on calm waters featuring the seigaiha pattern. 

Pink Asanoha, a vigorous print emblematic of the tenacity and rapid growth of the asanoha hemp plant. 

Seigaiha Waves, an interpretation of the classic seigaiha pattern that emulates the many moods of the ocean. 

Ichimatsu, named after the kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu who make checkerboard prints popular in Japan. 

Mameshibori, a whimsical interpretation of the mameshibori dyeing technique often seen on Tenugui cloths. 

Each design captures the beauty of wagara with a fresh, contemporary twist, making these furoshiki perfect for gift wrapping, fashion accessories, or home decor.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Furoshiki Cloth for Gift Wrapping and More

We are excited to introduce two product updates alongside this new collection. First, our packaging has undergone a transformation—now with 50% less packaging and made from recycled materials. It’s not only smaller and cuter, but it also includes eight tutorial pictograms inside, making it easier than ever to explore the versatility of furoshiki wrapping styles.

Additionally, all our furoshiki are now made from Global Recycled Standard (GRS) certified recycled polyester twill, ensuring that we remain committed to our mission of offering an eco-friendly, high-quality alternative to traditional gift wrapping. We’ve also updated the bilingual English and French packaging to reflect our global customer base.

A Family-Run Business Rooted in Art and Tradition

Keiko Furoshiki is a family-run business founded in 2023 by Keiko Kira, her son Tyler Lau, and her daughter-in-law Andrea Zoellner. Combining their skills in textile design, manufacturing, and marketing, they’ve built a brand that’s been recognized by top lifestyle publications such as Wired, Martha Stewart, and The Spruce.

At the heart of their business is Keiko’s deep connection to Japanese art and culture. Born in Beppu, Japan, Keiko moved to the United States as a teenager and pursued her passion for art, eventually studying Fine Arts at the University of Kansas and the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Today, Keiko continues to teach as an adjunct professor and share her love for traditional Japanese crafts with the world through Keiko Furoshiki.

Shop the Wagara Collection: Timeless Japanese Furoshiki Wraps for Sustainable Living

Furoshiki is a versatile, eco-friendly alternative to disposable gift wrapping paper, and it offers so much more than just a beautiful way to wrap presents. With 101 different uses, from tote bags to tablecloths, furoshiki embodies both creativity and sustainability. The Wagara Collection furoshiki, like our previous collection, is not only practical but also a work of art, deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and designed with care for our planet.

We can’t wait for you to explore the beauty of the Wagara Collection. Each furoshiki offers a piece of Japanese history and a sustainable future. Whether you’re wrapping gifts for a loved one or simply adding a touch of elegance to your everyday life, Keiko Furoshiki’s Wagara Collection has something special for everyone.

Shop the Wagara Collection and join us in celebrating the timeless beauty of Japanese design.