Onboard our trusty “steed”, the window becomes our source of large-screen au natural entertainment, the rolling fields that pass by unveil themselves as tiny patches of a very large tapestry. The entire land is covered with green and gold.
Today we step into the world of tatami. Or onto it.
Ahem, either way it’s like entering old Japan, where tatami continues to play a significant part in several important traditional ceremonies like Chado and Judo. According to the translator, there’s a whole culture behind tatami. Made from 100% soft rush, or Igusa.
Trimmed off confetti-like igusa.
Along with the traditional motifs and patterns, there are also contemporary versions this company began exploring in recent years catered for the younger market. Stunning! I’d take this over a rug any day.
Everyday we’re learning a bit more about each traditional craft, but I know we’re only skimming the surface of a very vast ocean. A little knowledge, a little appreciation, goes a long long way in how value beyond numbers is attained. There is much to harvest from this land!