Tatami Mats

Tatami are the rectangular mats that cover floors in traditional Japanese homes and spaces. They are a uniquely Japanese product, unlike so many that actually have their origins in China or Korea. If Japan had imported the chair from China then maybe tatami would not have even been invented.

 

In the Heian Period (794-1185) most Japanese homes had dirt floors with straw mats. The wealthy, however, had wooden floors, and tatami was used for seating. By the Muromachi Period (1336-1573), the use of tatami had become more widespread and by now whole rooms would be covered in tatami. By the late 17th century the use of tatami had spread to many commoners' houses.

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