Tsutsumi is a Japanese term that literally means package, present, object, gift. Let’s see how it’s influencing the packaging world.

If you love Japanese art and architecture, you will like the remarkable innovations in Tsutsumi packaging. As creative design has progressed and flourished in the past decade, the art of packaging has become more and more relevant. 

What is Tsutsumi

Tsutsumi upsets the traditional idea of the package as something collateral with respect to the contents. It’s more focused on elegantly covering the gift with simple materials, forms and colors. For Tsutsumi the looks of the package is more important than what it holds in it. You contemplate it instead of ripping it apart to find out what’s inside. The wrapping paper in the box is literally sacred and all the elements, like flowers, fabrics, strings create peace and harmony.

The importance of the geometric folds

The paper box will feature precise folds along the corners, to highlight the geometric form. There may also be flowers, in the below example they’re both the gift itself and part of the packaging.

Tsutsumi box for flowers replicable on Packly
Tsutsumi box for flowers replicable on Packly

If the object is round, the lines will be softer, enhancing its shape. Similarly for colors, there will be coordination and matching sometimes, as opposed to steep contrasts for a more lively result.

Rounded top box with handle and lively colors
Rounded top box with handle and lively colors

Typically the folds will have diagonal lines with respect to the object to be packed. This is different from what we do here, where we place the item parallelly to the paper sheet. It is indeed well-known that asymmetrical shapes are more stimulating and interesting to the eye.

Captivating asymmetric tuck end boxes
Captivating asymmetric tuck end boxes

Also tying is a very prominent symbolic element in tsutsumi. It embodies the bond between the gift giver and the receiver, a relationship that will last over time.

Elegant mailing folder with strings
Elegant mailing folder with strings

Ultimately, tsutsumi is the theatrical conception of packaging as a representation, a surprise, a performance that outweighs the value of whatever the contents.

Elaborated Tsutsumi box for bon bons
Elaborated Tsutsumi box for bon bons

Conclusion

In short: are you keen on packaging as a way to wow your customers? Absorb the tsutsumi concepts and create your own prototype. With Pakcly you can view it in 3D including any special finish, share it and print it at your convenience.