Tatami
This work consists of chairs, tables, and tableware wrapped in tatami matting. Though the shapes are familiar from everyday life, the surface material of each item is made from the rush (igusa) used in tatami mats.
She visited a tatami manufacturer in Gifu Prefecture, “Kunikeda Co., Ltd.,” which specializes in producing custom tatami, and collaborated with them on the creation of this work. Throughout the process, she not only acquired technical skills but also witnessed how the traditional use of tatami in living spaces has evolved. She learned that tatami is no longer considered an essential part of residential interiors. In fact, much of the work that comes to Kunikeda’s company focuses on creating extraordinary spaces rather than replacing tatami in residential homes, utilizing their unique skills in producing custom-shaped tatami. Through this experience, She decided to approach tatami not just as a flooring material but as a material that could be explored from a new perspective.
In this work, She chose to wrap objects like chairs, tables, teacups, and pots—items that are not typically found in traditional tatami rooms. When selecting the motifs, She discussed with the craftsmen and chose simple shapes that would be easy to wrap in tatami matting. During the actual creation, She first measured the dimensions of each pre-made item and cut the rolled tatami mats accordingly. However, the tatami mats, backed to prevent the threads from unraveling, were much sturdier than I expected, and She repeatedly struggled to cut them properly with scissors. After much trial and error, She was finally able to complete the work. The shapes of the pre-made items were more complex than She had initially thought, and they were well-crafted. Tatami changes its “grain” depending on the shape of the object and the direction of the light hitting it.
She hope this work encourages you to rediscover the material of tatami, which originally served as a flooring material.
Boundary -border-
Geidai Art Plaza
W2730×D1820×H900
Tatami, wood, iron, ceramics, plastic
Tatami Kitchen
Selected as a finalist in the sanwacompany Art Award 2024.
I exhibited my works, where everyday items are wrapped in tatami matting, alongside kitchenware and tableware in the showroom.
Organizer: Sanwa Company Co., Ltd.
Operational Support: Artlogue Co., Ltd.
2024