Cool and refreshing to the touch, comfortable whether sitting or lying down. This is the "tatami," a classic Japanese rug.

The pleasant feel against the skin, the refreshing scent, and the wonderfully calming texture. Such "tatami" has long been an integral part of Japanese life. However, not every home today has a Japanese-style room.

BasShu sought a design that could be paired with a sofa. With the desire to see it used in Western-style rooms, they arrived at a rug that makes the most of the "tatami" aesthetic, woven with dyed domestic igusa (rush grass).

This is the "IGUSA RUG."

 

Only uses igusa from Yatsushiro, Kumamoto Prefecture

In fact, many igusa products sold at home centers are made in China. While "tatami" is an ancient Japanese tradition, it is now often made with Chinese igusa. However, domestic igusa is superior in terms of elasticity, color consistency, and how it ages over time.

BasShu is committed to using domestic igusa, specifically from Yatsushiro. Known for centuries as Japan's top production area, Yatsushiro's igusa is ideal for cultivation due to its topography, resulting in a high moisture content and characteristic firmness and suppleness.

"We only want to use Yatsushiro igusa." This is why IGUSA RUG is so fluffy and comfortable.

 

Made by a long-established company in Fukuoka

The IGUSA RUG is crafted by artisans from "Hikotaro Ikegami Shoten" (now IKEHIKO Corporation), a long-established company in Chikugo that has been involved in tatami mat production since 1886.

Each strand of natural igusa varies in thickness and length, making skilled craftsmanship essential for processing. The entire process of "steaming," "dyeing," and "weaving" relies on techniques backed by tradition and the intuition of experienced artisans.

They maintain high quality at all times by discerning the individual differences in igusa and the temperature and humidity during processing. In the weaving process, to avoid unnecessary strain, artisans constantly monitor the loom, weaving slowly, producing only 5 to 6 rugs per day on one machine.

This dedication and skill of the artisans are what give the IGUSA RUG its quality and presence.

 

We value the natural ecru color of igusa

The design of every IGUSA RUG always incorporates the ecru color.

By incorporating the natural, undyed color of igusa, designs inspired by old traditions achieve a new yet somehow nostalgic and refreshing atmosphere.

The patterns and colors of IGUSA RUG are not printed; they are created through "yarn-dyeing," a technique backed by traditional craftsmanship.

The addition of the ecru color creates a rich, expressive look, resulting in a design with depth from any angle.

 

IGUSA RUG / RED

The RED rug features a deep red base, with natural ecru (undyed) tones and light brown accents on the top and bottom. This design is unique for BasShu's IGUSA RUGs, with red as the main color. The deep red pairs well with wood-toned interiors.

 

IGUSA RUG / NAVY × BLUE

The NAVY × BLUE features a deep navy combined with a golden-brown. This blue-toned color scheme is perfect for summer, offering a refreshing feel. The golden-brown accent color works wonderfully with plants.

 

IGUSA RUG / BLACK

The BLACK rug combines a chic, pure black base with natural ecru (undyed) tones. With an even deeper tone than navy, it offers a sophisticated and calming atmosphere despite its native pattern. It's also a great match for industrial, masculine interiors.

 

IGUSA RUG / ORANGE

The ORANGE rug is a natural finish with a reddish-orange accent combined with light brown and ecru (undyed). The pleasant scent of igusa makes it ideal for placing under a dining table. It also pairs well with bright, natural rooms.

 

IGUSA RUG / NATURAL × GRAY

The NATURAL × GRAY rug is based on the natural "ecru" color of igusa. Its refreshing color scheme perfectly complements the subtle igusa scent that spreads when laid out, reminiscent of Japanese summer. The natural depth of color in each woven igusa strand is beautiful, creating a timeless design.

 

IGUSA RUG / NAVY × NATURAL

The NAVY × NATURAL rug combines deep navy with ecru (undyed). Its strong, masculine color scheme can dramatically change the impression of a room. This timeless design pairs excellently with houseplants.

 

IGUSA RUG / FADE BLUE

The FADE BLUE rug features a faded denim-like light blue base. With a gradient blending ecru (undyed) and red, it evokes the image of a coastal lifestyle on the American West Coast. This piece beautifully reflects the summer sunlight streaming through living room windows.

 

IGUSA RUG / Border BEIGE

The Border BEIGE rug features a light, soft sand beige base. With a gradient accented by ecru (undyed) and turquoise blue, you can experience the depth of color unique to yarn-dyeing. It's recommended for a bright, natural ambiance. This beige is a lighter tone than the native pattern beige.

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