Fukusa
/fuːˈkuː.sə/noun
A Japanese square cloth traditionally used to cover, wrap, or present gifts and in tea ceremony.
Did you know?In formal Japanese gift-giving, the fukusa could be used to cover a gift while presenting it, turning an ordinary exchange into a carefully staged act of respect.
Etymological Timeline
Middle Chinese
Middle Chinese
袱紗 (likely *buwk sræ)
“A cloth or gauzelike silk fabric; the precise early history of the compound is uncertain.”
Medieval Japan
Japanese
袱紗 (fukusa)
“A fine cloth used to cover or wrap objects, especially gifts.”
Edo Period
Japanese
ふくさ (fukusa)
“A square ceremonial cloth used in formal gift presentation and tea practice.”
19th Century
English
fukusa
“An imported Japanese textile or gift-covering cloth.”
Modern English
English
fukusa
“A Japanese ceremonial wrapping cloth, often richly decorated and sometimes mounted for display.”