Art Creation Theory 23 "Tatami in the chashitsu"
The microcosm of the tea room created by tatami mats
Tatami is a symbol of traditional Japanese living space. In recent years, flooring has become mainstream and Japanese-style rooms are becoming less common, but there are still many who believe that the feel of tatami suits Japanese people. Tatami is especially important in tea rooms where the tea ceremony is held. The posture and behavior during the tea ceremony are centered on sitting upright and sliding the feet, so the texture of the tatami that comes into direct contact with the skin greatly affects the tranquility and hospitality of the entire tea room. Even if the tatami mats look the same visually, if the texture of the surface (tatami surface) is fuzzy or the cushioning of the tatami floor is poor, the impression of the person experiencing the tea ceremony will change greatly. In this article, we will focus on the tatami mats in tea rooms, look at the overall structure and history of the tea room, and how tatami mats support the space of the tea ceremony.
Chapter 1: Historical background of the tea room and tatami mats
1-1. Tea ceremony in the hermitage - the spirit of wabi-sabi and tatami mats
When we hear the word "tea room," the first thing that comes to mind for many people is the "sōan tea room" perfected by Sen no Rikyu. The sōan tea room was conceived as a place to express the unique Japanese spirituality of wabi-sabi, deliberately creating a small, narrow, dark space and using natural materials such as bamboo and clay walls. In this "sōan tea room," one of the things people touch and notice the most is the tatami mat. In a tea room that has been simplified to the utmost, the tatami mat itself is a major element of the interior decoration, so the luster and color of the tatami mat surface and the elasticity of the tatami mat floor are deeply connected to aesthetic sensibilities. The tea master sits upright on the tatami mat, sometimes placing his utensils and sometimes listening carefully to the sound of his clothes rubbing against the tatami mat - it is no exaggeration to say that the five senses cultivated in the tea ceremony could not exist without the tatami mat.
1-2. Tea ceremony in the Shoin: the space and tatami mats that show formality
In the "Shoin tea ceremony" that was popular mainly in the samurai society from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the Edo period, the tatami mats were used in a slightly different style. With the background of an architectural style called Shoin-zukuri, the purpose of demonstrating authority was added by placing beautiful sliding door paintings and gorgeous decorations on the large hall and tokonoma. The tatami mats spread throughout the large space of Shoin-zukuri are not "small and simple" like those in the soan teahouse, but they still share the spirit of "hospitality" that is the basis of the tea ceremony. The soft feel of the tatami mats when you step into the large hall, and the faint scent of the rush grass - these sensory experiences convey the spirit of respectful hospitality to the guests. In either case, the "tatami mats" used in the teahouse are an indispensable part of the space of the teahouse. Whether it is a soan or a shoin, without tatami mats the teahouse would not exist, and the opportunity to feel the Japanese aesthetic sense would be greatly diminished.
Chapter 2: Components of the tea room and the significance of tatami mats
A tea room is usually made up of several important elements, such as the roji (tea garden), nijiriguchi (gate), hearth, tokonoma (alcove), windows, ceiling, and mizuya (water room). And it is the tatami mats that are laid on the floor that directly connect people to the space.
2-1. Entrance to the tea garden and tatami mats
The "roji" (traditional Japanese garden), which one passes through before entering the teahouse, is said to be a preparatory space that leads one from the everyday to the extraordinary. It includes a bench, a stone lantern, and a small path to the nijiriguchi (traditional Japanese entrance), where one calms one's mind before heading to the tatami-floored teahouse. When one steps on the dirt and stones outside, then passes through the nijiriguchi and onto the tatami, a completely different atmosphere spreads out before one. Although the step is only a few dozen centimeters, the moment when one switches from the world of shoes to the world of tatami is the first step into the extraordinary space of the teahouse. For this reason, the tactile "change" brought about by the tatami is a major point that characterizes the teahouse experience.
2-2. Nijiriguchi and the spirit of equality in the tea room
The "nijiriguchi", which is said to have been the first to be installed by Sen no Rikyu in the thatched teahouse "Machi-an", is a very small entrance measuring just 60-70cm in height and width. Because everyone, regardless of rank, must bow their heads and bend to enter, it is said to symbolize the spirituality of the tea ceremony that "everyone is equal within the tearoom". The moment one passes through this nijiriguchi and sits upright on the tatami mat, everyone forgets their status and position and drinks tea simply as "an individual" - and in this scene too, the "tatami space", which is one step higher than the ground, has an important meaning.
2-3. Teahouses with hearths and tatami processing techniques
When talking about a tea room, many people will think of a "ro" (fireplace) for boiling water over a charcoal fire. A ro is often made by cutting tatami mats, and processing them requires advanced techniques and precise measurements. Even the slightest misalignment of the rim of the ro and the tatami mat will cause the rim to rise above the tatami surface or sink below, not only ruining the aesthetic look but also hindering the tea ceremony. In order to ensure that the rim of the ro and the tatami mat are flush, the tatami maker must take measures to prevent the straw floor from expanding before cutting into the tatami mat floor, and finely adjust the size of the rim of the ro and the tatami mat floor, showing off their skills. Tatami mats with a ro require high expertise, so much so that those who are well versed in the tea ceremony say that the skill of a tatami maker can be roughly determined by the way the rib of the ro is handled.
2-4. Harmony with the tokonoma alcove, windows, and ceiling
A tokonoma, which is almost always included in tea rooms, is a space for displaying hanging scrolls and flower vases. Guests kneel on the tatami mat laid out in front of it, gazing at the words on the hanging scroll and the floral design, and sense the season and the theme of the room. The appearance of the tatami is also closely related to the soft light that pours in through the windows of the tea room and the shape of the ceiling (a coffered ceiling in a shoin tea room, a decorative attic in a soan tea room, etc.). The sunlight filtering in through the shoji screens gently illuminates the weave of the tatami mats, creating beautiful shadows depending on the season and time of day. The presence of tatami makes the play of light and shadow in a tea room even more dramatic.
2-5. Mizuya and tea ceremony preparation space
Finally, the "mizuya" where preparations for making tea and cleaning up afterwards are done is also an essential part of the tea room. Here too, tatami mats may be laid on the floor, and as luggage is placed there when utensils are brought in and taken out, and people move around frequently, the tatami mats must be durable. Not just in the mizuya, but as tea utensils are often expensive, scratches or fraying on the tatami mats could damage the utensils. In that sense, there is a strong demand for tatami mats for use in tea rooms to be "high quality and durable." It can be said that sturdy tatami mats are the foundation for creating a spirit of hospitality.
Chapter 3: Quality and technology required for tea room tatami mats
Tatami mats for tea rooms are subject to stricter standards in terms of size and quality than tatami mats for general residential use, and the selection of the "tatami surface" and "tatami floor" is particularly important.
3-1. High-quality tatami mats bring hospitality and a sense of security
During the tea ceremony, the tatami surface is clearly visible when kneeling on the tatami, rubbing against the utensils when handling them, and even when sitting upright. If the tatami surface is of poor quality, fraying, splinters, and uneven coloring will be easily noticeable, and there is a high possibility that it will ruin the atmosphere of the tea ceremony. Also, if guests are wearing kimonos, there is a possibility that the kimono will be damaged if the tatami surface is in poor condition. In that respect, tatami surface woven from high-quality domestic rush grass is tightly woven, highly durable, and feels much better on the feet and skin, so you can hold your tea ceremony with peace of mind.
3-2. Comfort and durability of straw floors
In recent years, various materials have been developed for the inside of tatami mats, the so-called "tatami floor", but the traditional straw floor tends to be preferred for teahouse tatami.
- Soft to the touch
- Absorbs footsteps to keep things quiet
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It has features such as being highly durable and able to be reupholstered many times .
In a teahouse, sitting upright is the basic position, so straw floors are extremely useful as they prevent your feet from hurting even when you sit for long periods of time. Also, when replacing the tatami mats every few decades, if the straw floor is sturdy, there is no need to replace the entire tatami mat, so it can continue to be used for a long time as a traditional "floor."
3-3． Attention to detail: "Rokujuyonme" and furnace processing
In the world of tea ceremony, there are detailed standards, such as the width of a tatami mat on the short side being Kyoma size (3 shaku 1 sun 5 bu = about 95.5 cm) and the number of meshes on a tatami mat being "64 meshes (60 meshes on the edge)".
- It's a good place to place your tea utensils
- Smooth movement and gestures before the tea ceremony
- This is because tatami mats are visually beautiful.
In addition, the dimensions of the hearth of a teahouse are almost fixed (1 shaku 4 sun square, 2 sun 2 bu thick, etc.), and extremely delicate processes are required, such as pre-working to "prevent the straw floor from expanding" before the tatami mat floor is cut into it.
3-4．The new idea of floor tatami mats
"Oki-tatami" is not as thick as straw flooring, but it uses cushioning materials that emphasize light weight and water resistance.
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Create a tatami space only when you need it
- The size is Kyoma size, so it has the advantage of being ideal for practicing tea ceremony. These "placed tatami" can be used to create a simple tea room in a community center, gymnasium, or even a corner of an office, so they are attracting attention as a new option that suits modern living conditions and lifestyles.
(Disadvantages of tatami)
Tatami mats play an important role as a traditional Japanese flooring material in special spaces such as teahouses, but they also have some disadvantages in modern life. First, they require a lot of maintenance. Tatami mats absorb moisture easily, which can lead to mold and dust mites. Therefore, they require regular ventilation, cleaning, and in some cases drying in the sun. Especially in spaces where humidity control is important, such as teahouses, more careful management is required. In addition, tatami mat surfaces are easily worn out and need to be replaced regularly. Although straw floors are highly durable, replacing them requires the skills of a specialized craftsman and is expensive. Secondly, their susceptibility to damage is also a disadvantage. If heavy furniture is placed on them or if hard objects hit them, they will get dented or scratched. In teahouses, tools are taken in and out and people come and go, so the risk of tatami mats being damaged is unavoidable. Tatami mat surfaces are sensitive to moisture, so if drinks are spilled on them, they are prone to staining, so care must be taken. Another disadvantage is that they are incompatible with modern lifestyles. They are softer than flooring, and if heavy furniture is placed on them, they may leave marks or become unstable. Additionally, tatami mats are difficult to vacuum and require measures to deal with dust mites, making them unsuitable for modern lifestyles. For people with allergies, the growth of dust mites and mold is a major concern. These disadvantages stem from the fact that tatami mats are made from natural materials and have been developed to suit Japan's climate and environment. In a special space such as a teahouse, it is important to understand these disadvantages and take appropriate care of them.
Chapter 4: The appeal of tatami mats in famous tea rooms - Tai'an, Jo'an, and others
"Taian," said to have been made by Sen no Rikyu, and "Joan," built by Oda Urakusai, are both small but national treasure-class teahouses that encapsulate the best of Japanese architecture. Here, we will consider the role and aesthetic sense of the tatami mats in each teahouse.
4-1．Taian
Tai-an is an extremely small tea room of just two tatami mats, and entering through the nijiriguchi requires one to almost bend down. Although words such as small, dark, and simple fit the room, the distinctive feature of this tea room is that it is mysteriously enveloped in a deep silence and tranquility. The small size of the room makes the details of the tatami mats and the condition of the tatami surface stand out all the more. The sense of security that the tatami surface gives when sitting in seiza position, and the elasticity of the straw floor gently enveloping your feet - these sensory comforts allow you to experience the spirit of wabi. Sen no Rikyu's aesthetic sense must have been such that he was particular about the fine details, from the way the tatami mats were woven to the placement of the hearth.
4-2．Joan
Jo-an is a teahouse said to have been built by Urakusai, the younger brother of Oda Nobunaga. It features unique measurements of two and a half tatami mats, and while both the exterior and interior are extremely simple, it combines the rigidity and refinement typical of samurai tea ceremonies. Each tatami mat is delicately cut to fit the small size of the tea room, and the overall structure, including the hearth, has been meticulously calculated. There are many eye-catching design features, such as the calendar-covered seats and Uraku windows, but ultimately it is on the tatami that people sit and relax. The contrast with the texture of the wood and earthen walls makes the lush colors of the tatami appear particularly beautiful.
4-3. Other famous seats
In addition to Tai-an and Jo-an, there are many other famous tea rooms, such as Mitsuan at Ryukoin Temple in Daitokuji and Shokin-tei at Katsura Imperial Villa. Each tea room has a particular attention to detail in the size and layout of the tatami mats, as well as the position of the tokonoma alcove and hearth, which is one of the reasons they have been celebrated as famous tea rooms for hundreds of years. When visiting a historic tea room, be sure to look not only at the hanging scrolls and architectural style, but also at the tatami mats themselves. The type of weave, how the hearth is decorated, and how the tatami mats fit into the pillars and walls - Japan's traditional culture is condensed in such small details.
Chapter 5: Spatial Design Created by Tatami - Harmony with Light, Wind, and Sound
5-1． Shadows of tatami mats reflected by light
In tea rooms, lighting is generally kept to a minimum. In fact, it is the soft natural light that shines through the shoji screens and small windows that brings out the most beautiful aspects of the room. The weave of the tatami mats has subtle irregularities, so when light hits them, delicate shadows emerge, further deepening the worldview of wabi-sabi. As time passes and the angle and strength of the light changes, the expression of the tatami mats also changes. Tatami mats bathed in the soft light of morning and tatami mats bathed in the reddish light of dusk create completely different atmospheres. The tea master prepares a bowl of tea and entertains his guests while sensing this ever-changing rhythm of nature.
5-2. The scent of tatami mats carried by a gentle breeze
The smaller the tearoom, the more sensitive it becomes to even the slightest breeze. The tatami mats give off the scent of rush grass, and when that scent envelops the room with the movement of the air, guests can feel a sense of peace, as if they were in a forest. In the hot summer months, good ventilation creates a cool feeling, while the tatami mats absorb moisture to maintain comfort. In modern homes, air conditioning is the norm, but in tearooms, the power of nature is maximized, working in harmony with the tatami mats and other materials to create a space that satisfies the five senses. This has the power to awaken the senses that humans are born with.
5-3. Sound: The sound-absorbing properties of tatami mats create silence
A tea room is known as a "silent space," but that silence is not actually "soundless." Rather, it is a world in which delicate sounds stand out, such as the crackle of a charcoal fire, the sound of boiling water, and the sound of clothes rubbing against the tatami mats. Tatami mats have the property of absorbing sound more easily than flooring. Even shuffling feet walking on them only produces a faint rustling sound, which does not destroy the tranquil atmosphere of the tea room. By minimizing the reverberation, even the tiniest sounds seem louder in the tea room, and the five senses are sharpened. This is deeply connected to the aesthetic sense of "praise of shadows," which is unique to tea rooms.
Chapter 6: Tatami mats and modern lifestyles: the inheritance and evolution of tradition
6-1. Commonalities with minimalism
"Minimalism" is a trend in modern architecture and interior design, and it is said that its philosophy has much in common with the "aesthetics of omission" of the teahouse. Thoroughly eliminating unnecessary decoration and maximizing light, shadow, and texture - this approach has been practiced in teahouse architecture since ancient times. The lush surface of the tatami mats, the soft light shining through the shoji screens. There is no need for unnecessary furnishings or colors, and the world of "wabi-sabi" exudes a complete beauty all by itself. Even in a modern living space, setting up a tatami corner creates an unexpectedly comfortable "space" and "silence," which blends exquisitely with modern interiors.
6-2. Combination with different materials
There has been an increase in attempts to combine traditional tatami mats with inorganic materials such as exposed concrete, metal, and glass. Even in hotel lobbies and commercial facilities, tatami spaces are set aside in a corner of a modern Western-style space to create a sense of Japanese hospitality and bring out innovative designs through the contrast of different materials.
Even if you are surrounded by cool looking glass walls, just having tatami mats under your feet can relax your mind and body - many people have had this experience. This is because the unique warmth and flexibility of tatami mats directly appeals to the five senses.
6-3．Temple teahouses and housing conditions
In today's housing situation, there are only a limited number of homes that can have large Japanese-style rooms or full-scale tea rooms like in the past. Therefore, more and more people are incorporating simple tea rooms using "placed tatami mats." Even in a living room or Western-style room with a wooden floor, you can quickly transform it into a "Japanese space" by simply laying tatami mats when needed. It is also ideal for practicing tea ceremony, entertaining guests, or enjoying reading or meditation. The same Kyoma size tatami mats as those used in tea rooms are available, so you can practice utensils and manners according to your school. This easy approach will be a great help for those who want to incorporate tatami mats but don't have the space or are worried about maintaining them.
Chapter 7: The future of tatami culture - Preserving traditions and passing them on to the next generation
Tatami mats are said to have originated from straw mats from the Jomon period, and were used as bedding and seating by upper class people in the Heian period, and from the Muromachi to Momoyama periods, they came to be used to cover entire rooms with the development of teahouse architecture and Shoin-zukuri style. After the Edo period, tatami mats spread to the homes of ordinary people, and in the mid-Showa period, the introduction of tatami-making machines made mass production possible.
However, with the increase in homes with wooden floors and changes in lifestyle, tatami culture has temporarily tended to shrink. However, in recent years, interest in traditional Japanese culture has risen again, and the value of tatami as a space to relax the mind and body has been reassessed. In addition, in 2020, tatami production was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as a "skill of traditional architectural craftsmanship," and its importance has begun to attract attention both at home and abroad.
7-1. Inheritance and evolution of craftsmanship
Traditional straw tatami mats, including those for tea rooms, have different techniques, dimensions, and laying methods depending on the region. These have been passed down and improved by artisans over the years. However, in recent years, they have faced many challenges, such as a lack of successors and difficulty in securing raw materials. Despite this, long-established tatami stores and young artisans are collaborating with tea ceremony experts to develop new products and actively sharing their techniques overseas, preserving tradition while also taking a flexible approach to pave the way for the future. The increasing variety of tatami mats, such as floor tatami and resin tatami mats, is also proof of this "evolution."
7-2. Tatami mats provide physical and mental healing
Tatami mats have many excellent functions, such as sound absorption, insulation, and humidity control. The scent has a relaxing effect, and the natural materials are also suitable for allergy prevention. Furthermore, the sense of mental stability gained from spending time in the tranquil space of a tea room is something that should be greatly utilized even in today's stressful society.
Even in an urban apartment, you can create a small tatami corner in a corner, make tea, read a book, do yoga or meditate - just spending time doing these things will calm your mind and relieve your body's stiffness. For the Japanese, tatami is more than just a "flooring material." It is also a symbol of the spiritual culture that has been cultivated over a long history.
A tea room is said to be a "microcosm" specialized for the tea ceremony. However, it is no exaggeration to say that the tatami mat is the "closest" and "most important" element that makes up the space. All aspects of the tea ceremony, such as the placement of the hearth, the alcove, and the amount of light coming in from the windows, are completed on the tatami mat, and the actions of the guests and the host proceed with the tatami mat as a guide. As we go about our daily lives, sitting upright on the tatami mat and drinking a cup of tea - the richness and tranquility gained through such an act may be a special experience that is difficult to experience in a world overloaded with information from smartphones and PCs. If you have the opportunity, please visit a full-scale tea room or a simple tea room that uses "placed tatami mats". You will feel your body relax and your mind calm as soon as you kneel down, surrounded by the aroma of the tatami mat. In the tea ceremony, we tend to focus on the tools and actions, but it is the tatami mats that quietly support them that truly realize the "hospitality of space". We want to continue to cherish the traditional Japanese culture of tatami mats and pass them on to future generations - we hope that you will deepen this feeling through the tatami mats in the tea room.