I have been using a floor cushion in my living room for some time now. After a fair amount of research, I decided to elevate my experience by ordering a Kyoto zabuton from Takaokaya, and this Aizome-Fu / Asanoha patterned cover.
A couple things to consider: First, this cover is hand-made in Kyoto, so you may need to wait a bit for it to be ready. My order included an Ojami cushion with a customized pattern, and it took three weeks from the purchase date for everything to be ready to ship. It probably takes less time for the cover alone. Second, if you are ordering from the United States, shipping will likely not be cheap.
For me, however, both the wait and the shipping costs were well worth it. I had some tricky delivery instructions, and Takaokaya staff were very prompt and courteous in sorting those out. A staff member even contacted me to make sure I received my order on time, and that everything was present and correct (it was :)
The cover has a beautiful Asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern. The colors are consistent with product photos on the site—a natural fiber color and a very deep indigo, which can pass for black depending on the light. It comes on and off pretty easily, yet still fits the nude Kyoto zabuton it was meant for nicely. The quality of materials and craftsmanship is evident, especially in the stitching. I also LOVED that it came with a thank you card signed and stamped by the craftspeople involved in its construction.
It is rare these days you purchase something that you can tell people took great care and pride in making and getting to you. This will not be my last purchase from Takaokaya.
(Photos include the nude Kyoto zabuton that I purchased separately.)
