Tatami mats are a classic example of adaptable Japanese design. Originally, tatami was used for either sitting or sleeping. In Japan, room size is still measured by how many tatami it takes to fill the floor. However, tatami is not solely used as flooring, it can serve many different functions. Tatami stacked two high can form a tatami platform, on which flowers or pottery can be displayed, and tatami stacked three high can form a bench for sitting.
A saying suggests that, "a standing person takes up half a mat; and sleeping person a full mat." Tatami measures approximately six feet by three feet and are about two and a quarter inches thick. They are made of a dense core, rush cover, and bordered by cloth. Tatami mats are never to be walked upon with shoes or even slippers, and because of this care and maintenance is easy.
|
|