Auspicious 5-Piece Tatami Mat Set

The Auspicious 5-Piece Tatami Mat Set is artfully crafted in natural rush grass, following the time-tested traditions of the Japanese.

In the Edo period of classical Japanese culture, the art of placing Tatami mats in a certain pattern in a home, teahouse, or temple was thought to be auspicious and to bring good fortune. This later came to be known as a Washitsu room or a Japanese style room. When complimented with traditional Japanese items of furniture such as futons and Rice paper lamps, the result produces a sense of natural beauty, harmony, and simplicity all key elements of Japanese home design.

Although today Tatami mats are used in a wide range of places and configurations the traditional “Auspicious” style layout mentioned above confers a balance and sense of harmony and beauty wherever it is placed. It is often used in traditional and modern style homes both in Japan and here in the States to bring balance, order, and an auspicious flow of good luck.

Manufactured in Taiwan, our mats are constructed in much the same way Tatami mats have been traditionally made in Japan, for hundreds of years. For instance, our mats use a natural rush grass exterior, and rice straw foundation, instead of the wafer board, or particle board that is commonly found in less expensive mats. Layered Rice straw is more time consuming to manufacture but it gives our mats that characteristic firmness with a slight give that makes Tatami mats such a unique and valuable floor covering.

In addition, the Rush grass straw used as a covering for our Tatami mats is rated, "Best Grade #1", meaning little or no visible variation in grass straw pattern, further evidence of the quality of construction used in the Haiku Designs Tatami Mats. Finally, the Rush grass mat is wrapped in durable, cloth edging and tightly woven/tension stitched to prevent warping or bending.

Because Tatami Mats include a large portion of rush straw, they are classified as an agricultural product and must meet strict U.S. Department of Agricultural customs regulations designed to prevent the introduction of insects, and molds into the country. Most Tatami mat manufacturers meet these requirements by placing toxic powder insecticide coatings into several layers of the tatami mat or fumigating the entire mat with pesticide gas, but not Haiku Designs.

Our Tatami Mats are the cleanest, most eco-friendly mats available today because they are processed and manufactured naturally. Instead of toxic pesticide powders, fumigation gas, or sprays, our mats meet the U.S. Customs requirements by means of an infrared heat process that eliminates any potential molds or infestations. In addition, our rush straw components are thoroughly washed using a special process before manufacturing. The end product is a stunning, all natural floor covering that is, eco-friendly, and toxin-free. With proper treatment, our Tatami mats will last for many years.

In addition to the health benefits related to zero-chemical exposure, our Tatami Mats provide relief from physical strain. When used as floor mats Tatami Mats provide a less impactful surface for walking, kneeling, sitting, or meditating. When used for sleep, Tatami Mats offer a supportive surface with a slight give, helping promote good posture and proper spinal alignment without the hardness of a solid floor. Additionally, Tatami Mats help regulate moisture by absorbing it during periods of high humidity and releasing it back into the air during dry spells, they also help control temperature by behaving as a natural insulator.

Features

• Natural grass straw under woven rush straw
• Black or Sage Green trim
• Clean, eco-friendly mats
• Processed and manufactured naturally
• Natural, renewable materials
• No toxic pesticide powders or harmful sprays
• Meets strict JAS, JIS, and USDA standards
• Set is comprised of 4 standard Tatami mats and 1 half size