Gift-giving is a highly cherished and deeply ingrained practice integral to our social life. It symbolizes blessing the receiver with a little love and joy, especially for special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, or weddings. Have you ever wondered about the heritage of traditional gift wrappings and how it came about? Perhaps, the formality of presenting gifts that tell a unique story? Let me take you on a tour at Peranakan Museum to discover how Japan practices gift-giving with FUKUSA.
What is Fukusa?
Similar to how we wrap presents today, Fukusa is a traditional Japanese cloth used for gift-wrapping. Typically crafted from silk, each Fukusa is also elaborately decorated with embroidery. Just like any gift wrapper, different designs are used for various occasions. Traditionally, Fukusa is often used for ceremonial purposes such as giftings for weddings or other formal occasions. The use of Fukusa to formally present gifts began in the Edo period (1603-1868). The designs of Fukusa vary widely from simple embroidery to intricate motifs. Each Fukusa is uniquely designed to reflect the significance of the occasion and the gift presented.
Fukusa with designs of children
Fukusa From the Chris Hall Collection
At Peranakan Museum, you can witness over 80 Fukusa, Kimonos, and related textiles displayed. The exhibition opens you to crafts, trades, and exchanges between Japan, China, and the West, as well as a presentation of Peranakan textiles from the National Collection. You can find a range of digital programs, hands-on workshops, performances, and tours to help you understand the heritage and the connections between gift customs of past and present. Let’s take a look at Fukusa for various occasions.
Fukusa and Fashion
In the past, clothing also reflected the class status of the people. Some clothing features landscape and itinerary designs (goshodoki) which are only wearable by high-ranking warriors. “Fawn spot” tie dye is a common technique favored by most warriors and wealthy merchants. Be sure not to miss out on the beauty of “fawn spot” tie dye here. You’ll be amazed by the beauty of it as you witness it personally!
Inner Kimono with landscape and itinerary designs (goshodoki)
Outer Kimono with Pine and Cherry Blossom
I’m astonished by the details and technique of embroidery here!
Fukusa for Joyous Occasions
At a little corner, you can see various fukusa that feature the elderly, and some of it with the Chinese character 壽 （longevity). These Fukusa are most likely to be used in gifting for Birthday celebrations and to wish elderly enjoy a life of good health and longevity. Here are some of my favourite pieces!
Fukusa to celebrate longevity and good health
Fukusa with 壽 celebrates longevity, usually used for elderly’ birthdays
Fukusa to Celebrate Women
Featuring one of my favourite pieces from this exhibition, Fukusa with women engaging in their daily activities. You can see women playing music, dressing up with cosmetics, calligraphy, dancing, or tending to bonsai. The Fukusa may have been given to girls or young women as a presentation of feminine virtue.
Textiles from Various Cultures
As you go down the trail, discover Peranakan textiles here, showcasing intriguing parallels. Notably, “Cranes” designs are foun across Japanese, Chinese, and Peranakan fabrics, symbolizing longevity within each cultural context. These textiles are used mainly in weddings to celebrate the newlyweds.
Peranakan textiles used for newlyweds
More Peranakan textiles from the National Collection
Fukusa Activity Trail Pack
The popular Trail Pack is back once again! Explore the museum with ten activity cards inspired by Fukusa. This is suitable for children aged 7 and above. Visiting the museums is always a great learning experience for the children to gain insights into different cultures and learn through fun-filled activities. It will be a great way to spend some quality time together as a family too!
Fukusa Activity Trail Pack
This exhibition is taking place at Peranakan Museum from now till 25 August! Pay a visit to it to enjoy the beauty of these Fukusa textiles! It will be a visit filled with great insights and beauty! Sign up for a tour here with Curator Lousie Lui on 17 July and 21 Aug, 7.30pm at only $25 per participant.
Curator Lousie Lui sharing on the story of Fukusa
Peranakan Museum
About The Curator
Louise Lui is the Assistant Curator, of Chinese Art at the Asian Civilisations Museum. She holds a BA in Art History from New York University and an MA in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Cultural from Bard Graduate Center, New York. Before joining the museum, she worked in the auction industry as a specialist in Chinese works of art.
About Perankan Museum
The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia, and possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive public collections of Peranakan objects.On February 17, 2023, the museum reopened its doors after nearly four years of renovation work.The newly refreshed Peranakan Museum holds brand-new permanent galleries presenting exceptional objects from Peranakan material culture, as well as a more contemporary exhibition design and an enhanced museum visitor experience. In particular, one key shift in the curatorial approach was to also include contemporary expressions of Peranakan culture, by way of works of contemporary art, fashion, design and craft, created by local and regional artists, artisans and designers, and inserted into every gallery. The three floors of the museum explore Peranakan life through themes related to origins, home, and style as aspects of identity. Community interviews, recorded demonstrations, art commissions, and other contemporary expressions of Peranakan culture provide a multi-faceted experience for visitors, encouraging them to ask themselves: “what is Peranakan?”. The museum is a department of ACM, operating under the National Heritage Board.
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