Tatami Mat

Traditional Japanese Floor Covering Tatami mat is the traditional straw matting that is used on the floor in Japanese homes. Tatami evolved over a long period, first beginning as a thin easily folded straw mat on which people sat or slept. Later, more layers of tightly woven rice straw were added to the core to increase comfort. The core was then covered with woven rushes and the edges hemmed with cloth. Japanese Mountain Retreat is one place where you can see Tatami mats in use in a traditional Japanese accommodation. In traditional Japanese society Tatami came to be associated with privilege as exalted members of society sat upon them while others sat on the wooden floor. As shoes are a symbol of the life led outside the home it is custom to remove them in the entranceway, here we enter a different world - the private, personal world of the home. Shop for books on Related Topics Japanese Interiors & Architecture Home Japanese Mountain Retreat Last edited on 30/09/02 |