Japanese cushions (zabuton)

Traditional Japanese craftsmanship is seen in many aspects of Japanese culture including the zabuton (otherwise known as a Japanese cushion), which is carefully constructed from stacking many layers of cotton together in a particular manner to create the perfect square. This thoughtful construction creates a cushion that will last for years to come as the folding and layering process ensures an even and well-cushioned padding with no lumps or empty spaces.

Expert cushion-maker Hisayoshi Nohara, owner of his namesake zabuton shop, shares his expertise in cushion making by showcasing the step-by-step process in making one. After carefully altering and folding the right amount of cotton, and fixing the corners to perfect 90 degree angles, the cushion is placed into a cover and finished off with a bit of stitching. No doubt, years of practice and fine-tuning have made him well-versed in this particular cushion-making technique.

It’s items like a simple zabuton, which are executed with a time-honoured pursuit to perfection, that illustrate the importance of detail and attention in Japanese culture. In fact, many traditional Japanese craftsmanship practices follow such order, making them a customary practice still followed today.

Nohara 5-7-7 Nishitsuruma, Yamato, 046 261 2768.
nohara.life.coocan.jp.