Tatami-gae

[katriona_s]

Recently I asked the Tatami artisan the "tatami-gae", recovering or refacing the tatami mat. Yesterday and today, in the morning the artisan had brought our tatami mat to his workshop, recover the tatami with the new rush mat and brought them back to our house late in the afternoon. It's a traditional craftsmanship, and the new rush mat smell very well. I think this is one of the Japanese luxury. Now I enjoy the mild-green surface of new tatami and its fresh smell in my room :)

Comments

[vilakins]

Wow, so beautiful! I like hearing about old traditional crafts still being done, in any country. I didn't realise the rushes were green when newly woven.

[katriona_s]

I do too. And yes, the new green tatami is what we can enjoy just for few months ... real luxury!! :)

[vera_j]

Aw, this is something we do not know at all! I believe the smell must be very pleasant. Is is really rush that the tatami are made of?

[vera_j]

Aw, this is something we do not know at all! I believe the smell must be very pleasant. Is is really rush that the tatami are made of? I mean, the plant that grows near the ponds here? because it used to be used as a cover on the floors in Middle ages in England and other countries.

[katriona_s]

Oh yes, the surface of Tatami is covered with the woven mat of Igusa, soft rush. The plant you see on waterside. I'm not sure if it's the completely same plant you see in Europe but at least it's the similar one.

[vera_j]

You are right, Igusa is not the same plant, not at all! I was interested in the make od tatami and read an article. It is awesome!!!