Furoshiki (風呂敷, furoshiki) are a type of traditional Japanese wrapping cloth that were frequently used to transport clothes, gifts, or other goods. Although possibly dating back as far as the Nara period, the name, meaning "bath spread", derives from the Edo period practice of using them to bundle clothes while at the sentŠ(public baths). Before becoming associated with public baths, furoshiki was known as hiradzutsumi (平包), or flat folded bundle.