In Japan, the practice of formally presenting gifts with silk covers called fukusa began in the Edo period (1603–1868), around the late 17th or early 18th century. These covers were draped or folded over gifts for a variety of occasions, from seasonal festivities to important personal events. Each fukusa was carefully chosen to evoke the circumstance of the gift and to convey a message to the recipient through its design. Fukusa designs often feature symbolic objects or allusions to Japanese and Chinese stories. The choice of fukusa also reflected the giver’s wealth, taste, erudition, and cultural sensitivity. The use of fukusa continued into the early 20th century. Today, they are used in parts of Japan for weddings and corporate events. Fukusa with family crests (mon) as the main design were extremely versatile, as they could be used for any occasion. They identify the giver and were usually used in the exchange of ceremonial gifts between families. The placement and size of the crest may indicate when the fukusa was made. In the late eighteenth century, crests were often featured at the centre of the gift cover. They became larger in the nineteenth century. The placement of the crest suggests that this fukusa covered the gift entirely or was folded into thirds and laid on top. In the Meiji period, crests often appeared on the corner of the lining. The crests moved to the centre of the lining in the Taishō period. Today, they are placed at the centre of the fukusa, shown face up when presented.
