Tatami mat makers

Tatami mat makers

1875 - 1895

color prints (photographs)

Japan; tatamis

Two men constructing tatami mats which were used as flooring in Japanese houses. The man on the right appears to be in the process of covering the frame with woven rushes. The photographer has labelled the print, "326. Floor mat maker.," and Turner has added the inscription, "Two mats cover a 'Tsubo' -36 square feet. Every Japanese house must have these mats on the floor. They are made of rice straw; are about 2 inches thick." (Note: rice straw was only used for the core; the core is covered with woven igusa [rushes]).

Pitts Theology Library

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