Tatami mats have been a part of Japanese homes for centuries.
Once reserved for nobility, they became a standard part of traditional homes in the 17th century.
One of his most popular creations has been a powerful dragon face created with tatami.
This tatami was commissioned by a Buddhist temple and Yamada spent four months creating it.
The number of pieces used to create the dragon also has special significance.
In Japan, this number represents the number of earthly temptations one must overcome to reach nirvana.
He also used an additional 49 pieces for the surroundings.
While Yamada’s dragon is certainly impressive, it isn’t his only innovative tatami.
He’s also created hexagonal tatami tiles called infinite tatami.
He’s used these pieces to create a Marilyn Monroe portrait and a skull, among others.
Interestingly, tatami art began as just a hobby for Yamada.
While his family owned a tatami shop, he was working in another field.
Then, one day, he decided to create a design for fun.
Kenze Yamada is a fifth-generation tatami craftsman.
His tatami art is a contemporary twist on tradition.
This stunning dragon tatami was created for a Buddhist temple.
It’s made of 157 pieces and took four months to create.
He also created hexagonal tiles called infinite tatami.
These tiles can be used in innovative ways.
Yamada’s creations show that tatami can truly be a work of art.
Want to see more?
Watch him create his iconic dragon tatami.
Kenze Yamada:Website|Instagram|Twitter|YouTubeh/t: [Grape]
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