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Matsuba Tatami

Igusa Japanese Rush Coaster (Set of 5)

Igusa Japanese Rush Coaster (Set of 5)

$69.00 USD
$69.00 USD
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Crafted by Matsuba Tatami in the coastal town of Yaizu, this set of five Igusa Japanese Rush Coasters brings the quiet strength of traditional tatami craft into your everyday moments. Each coaster is woven from domestically grown igusa rush, cultivated over nearly two years and sun-dried to retain its natural resilience, softness, and subtle aroma.

Every edge is finished with a different decorative woven cloth—known as heri—highlighting Japan’s rich textile tradition while offering a variety of visual accents. From bold geometric motifs to understated weaves, the set offers both harmony and contrast, making it ideal for gifting or daily use.

These coasters cool to the touch, absorb moisture gently, and age beautifully with time, deepening in color and character—just as tatami always has. A quiet tribute to enduring Japanese craftsmanship.

Detail

Size: W 4.7in x L 4.7in / W 12cm x L 12cm
Material: Japanese Rush (Igusa)

Care ＆ Use

  • Regular care should be done with a dry cloth. Avoid wiping with water whenever possible.
  • If the coaster gets dirty, gently wipe it with a tightly wrung cloth, then follow up with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.
  • Keep out of direct sunlight and dry in the shade in a well-ventilated area to help extend its lifespan.
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The quiet elegance of tatami: A tradition woven from rush and ritual

Tatami is more than a material—it’s a way of living. For centuries, this humble mat has shaped the rhythm and texture of Japanese interiors, reflecting a deep respect for nature, space, and seasonal change. Its origins trace back to the Nara period, when tatami first appeared in imperial residences. By the Edo era, it had become an essential element in homes, tea rooms, and temples across Japan.

Crafted from igusa, or Japanese rush, tatami is a celebration of patience and purity. Each stalk of rush takes over a year and a half to cultivate, nurtured through changing weather before being harvested at its aromatic peak. Once dried, the grass is precisely woven into long mats with a signature grain, offering a supple firmness underfoot and a scent that recalls summer fields after rain.

But tatami is more than comfort. It’s breathable in humid climates, insulating in winter, and quiet underfoot—qualities that reflect Japan’s climate and cultural rhythm. More than just flooring, it defines the experience of a room: how one enters, sits, rests, and reflects. In a fast-paced world, tatami reminds us of the beauty of slowness, stillness, and simplicity.

Brand History

Founded in 1977 in the quiet coastal city of Yaizu, Shizuoka, Matsuba Tatami is a family-run workshop dedicated to preserving the subtle richness of Japan’s tatami culture. Their work begins not with tools, but with the land—carefully cultivating Japanese rush (igusa) that takes nearly 20 months to mature. This long cycle reflects their philosophy: quality takes time, and meaning deepens with patience.

Each stalk is sun-dried, sorted, and woven on traditional looms before being hand-finished by experienced artisans. The result is not just a product, but a presence—something that cools the air, softens sound, and grounds the senses. Whether it's a full mat or a coaster for a quiet cup of tea, Matsuba's work invites the stillness and structure of traditional interiors into modern life.

Even as Japanese homes evolve, Matsuba Tatami continues to protect the soul of the material. Their pieces don’t imitate the past—they carry it, gently, into the present.