This listing is for a small vintage fukusa gift cover. See explanation below for how fukusa are used and a bit about their history.

This fukusa features a "Three Friends of Winter" (bamboo, pine and plum blossom) motif in a cloud pattern on one side, and the kanji character for "congratulations" (kotobuki) on the back.

The fabric is a silk-rayon blend in a faux shibori weave that gives the fabric a woven pucker texture. A tri-color tassle is sewn from each corner. The color is sometimes called Japanese Red because of the orange cast to the color.

These fukusa can add an Asian accent to any decor, and if turned to show the kotobuki character, it can be a subtle reminder of encouragement each day.

From Wikipedia:
Fukusa are a type of Japanese textile used for gift-wrapping....Fukusa are square or almost square pieces of lined fabric ranging in size from about 9–36 inches (230–910 mm) along one side. They are typically made of fine silk, and may be decorated with embroidery in auspicious designs.

The use of fukusa as a way of presenting gifts has mostly died out, lingering instead mainly in certain ritual exchanges of gifts during weddings in a few regions of Japan.

Traditionally in Japan, gifts were placed in boxes or on a wooden or lacquered tray, over which a fukusa would be draped. The choice of a fukusa appropriate to the occasion was considered an important part of the gift itself, and part of its formality. The practice of covering a gift became widespread during the Edo period (1603-1867).

The scene or motifs depicted on fukusa are chosen to indicate either the occasion for which the gift is being given, or because they are appropriate for one of the annual festivals when gifts are exchanged. The richness of the decoration of the fukusa attests to the giver's wealth and aesthetics.

Once a gift was exchanged, after being admired, the fukusa and box or tray presented with the gift are typically returned to the gift's original giver. However, before the Meiji Restoration, when gifts were presented to a high official, the fukusa was not always returned.