Craftsmanship
Up close, the Igusa (rush grass) fields are a sight to behold. Each stalk grows tall, swaying gently in the breeze, a testament to nature’s quiet resilience.
Quality Igusa is defined by its 'length' and 'color.' To protect it from the whims of wind and rain, farmers carefully grow each stalk under the shelter of supportive nets.
After nearly 20 months of care since the first seedlings were planted, the Igusa is finally ready for harvest. Each stalk is carefully cut and stacked, marking the culmination of a patient journey.
Freshly harvested Igusa glistens with dew, its vibrant beauty a reflection of the care and dedication poured into its cultivation.
The next step is mud dyeing. The harvested Igusa is immersed in natural clay to enhance its drying process, a technique that enriches its texture and durability.
After the mud dyeing process, the Igusa is dried for about 16 hours. This step enhances its signature fragrance and unique qualities, essential for creating authentic tatami.
This is said to be the hardest part of the process. In the scorching heat, workers endure the suffocating space filled with swirling dust from the dried clay. Truly, it’s a grueling task.
Bundles of Igusa, neatly arranged, patiently await their turn to dry—each strand holding the promise of tradition and craftsmanship.
The Igusa is sorted by length, and each stalk is carefully inspected by the craftsman’s discerning eye to ensure there are no blemishes or dried strands left unnoticed.
The weaving loom meticulously crafts the tatami surface. It’s the transformative moment where Igusa shifts from an agricultural product to an industrial masterpiece.
The tightly woven patterns are immensely satisfying, showcasing the precision and craftsmanship of the tatami surface.
The final step is done by hand, as the craftsman carefully adjusts the weave to ensure perfect alignment, bringing the tatami to its flawless finish.
The completed tatami surface, also known as 'Goza' in Japan, is finalized with a stamped seal, infusing the craftsman's spirit into the finished piece.