Second Life: Series 11 !
The wait is over! Series 11 has officially dropped!
Kyoto Zabuton Cushion - Japanese Pattern
Timeless Comfort, Reimagined for Modern Living
With a history spanning nearly 1,000 years, the zabuton (座布団) holds a distinguished place in Japanese culture.
In earlier times, it was far more than a simple floor cushion—its presence symbolized status and authority, reserved exclusively for members of the imperial court, shoguns, and esteemed Buddhist priests.
Today, the zabuton has seamlessly found its place in daily life across Japan. While offering physical comfort, it also reflects deeper cultural values: kutsurogi—a gentle sense of relaxation and ease—and omotenashi, the art of welcoming others with sincere care and understated grace.
It is a quiet legacy of elegance, gently reinterpreted for contemporary living.
Discover Our Traditional Patterns
We invite you to find the perfect design to complement your space:
- Shibori (絞り) – Tie-dye
- Arare (霰) – Hail
- Shima (縞) – Stripe
- Shippo (七宝) – Seven Treasures
- Ichimatsu (市松) – Checkered
Size
Add Optional Water-Repellent Treatment
- Size
-
S: 50x55cm, M: 55x59cm, L: 59x63cm, XL: 64x68cm
*Sizes are approximate
*Looking for a custom size? Please feel free to contact us.
- Material (Fabric)
- 100% Cotton
- Filling
- 100% Cotton
- Weight
- S: 1.1kg, M: 1.3kg, L: 1.5kg, XL: 1.8kg
-
Tassel: 100% Silk *Please note: Tassel colors are selected by Takaokaya. If you have a specific color preference, please leave a note with your order
Made in Japan (Kyoto)
All of our products are made-to-order. Each piece is handcrafted specifically for you once your order is confirmed. Please allow approximately 14-20 business days for production before your item is shipped.
- Lead times may vary depending on current workshop volume and specific customizations, such as embroidery, Hanakomon, or water-repellent finishing.
- Delivery times vary by country and carrier.
- If you have a specific deadline, please feel free to contact us (intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp). We will do our best to accommodate your request and expedite your order where possible.
Our craftsmen and women carefully craft each piece to ensure the highest level of comfort, and we thank you for your patience while awaiting its arrival.
Handling & Care
This product contains cotton filling. To ensure its longevity, please follow these care instructions:
Washing
- Do not wash at home. This item is not suitable for home laundering.
- Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, gently dab the area with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing harshly, as this may cause the color to bleed or fade.
- Professional Cleaning: If deep cleaning is necessary, please consult a professional cleaner specializing in futons or heavy bedding.
Drying
- Sun drying is possible. However, please be aware that dark-colored items may fade if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Storage
- Store in a well-ventilated area. * Before long-term storage, we recommend drying the item in the sun to remove any lingering moisture.
- Moisture Prevention: Cotton filling is sensitive to humidity. To prevent moisture buildup and mold, do not store in airtight plastic bags. Instead, use a breathable material such as a non-woven fabric bag.
Important Notes on Product
- Handcrafted Quality: Each of our products is handcrafted by skilled artisans—from cutting and sewing to filling and finishing. As a result, there may be slight variations in size, shape, weight, and firmness between individual pieces. We appreciate your understanding of these unique, handmade qualities.
- Natural Wear and Cushioning: Since this product is filled with cotton, the degree of compression over time will vary depending on the frequency of use, the user’s body type, and how the item is handled. Please understand that settling (loss of loft) is a natural characteristic of cotton filling and should be expected over time.
- Static and Fiber Migration: Due to the nature of cotton filling, friction against clothing or other fabrics may cause static electricity. This can occasionally cause fine cotton fibers to work their way through the outer fabric. We appreciate your understanding of this material trait.
Timeless Comfort, Reimagined for Modern Living
With a history spanning nearly 1,000 years, the zabuton (座布団) holds a distinguished place in Japanese culture.
In earlier times, it was far more than a simple floor cushion—its presence symbolized status and authority, reserved exclusively for members of the imperial court, shoguns, and esteemed Buddhist priests.
Today, the zabuton has seamlessly found its place in daily life across Japan. While offering physical comfort, it also reflects deeper cultural values: kutsurogi—a gentle sense of relaxation and ease—and omotenashi, the art of welcoming others with sincere care and understated grace.
It is a quiet legacy of elegance, gently reinterpreted for contemporary living.
Discover Our Traditional Patterns
We invite you to find the perfect design to complement your space:
- Shibori (絞り) – Tie-dye
- Arare (霰) – Hail
- Shima (縞) – Stripe
- Shippo (七宝) – Seven Treasures
- Ichimatsu (市松) – Checkered
Size
Add Optional Water-Repellent Treatment
All of our products are made-to-order. Each piece is handcrafted specifically for you once your order is confirmed. Please allow approximately 14-20 business days for production before your item is shipped.
- Lead times may vary depending on current workshop volume and specific customizations, such as embroidery, Hanakomon, or water-repellent finishing.
- Delivery times vary by country and carrier.
- If you have a specific deadline, please feel free to contact us (intl@takaoka-kyoto.jp). We will do our best to accommodate your request and expedite your order where possible.
Our craftsmen and women carefully craft each piece to ensure the highest level of comfort, and we thank you for your patience while awaiting its arrival.
Handling & Care
This product contains cotton filling. To ensure its longevity, please follow these care instructions:
Washing
- Do not wash at home. This item is not suitable for home laundering.
- Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, gently dab the area with a damp cloth as soon as possible. Avoid rubbing harshly, as this may cause the color to bleed or fade.
- Professional Cleaning: If deep cleaning is necessary, please consult a professional cleaner specializing in futons or heavy bedding.
Drying
- Sun drying is possible. However, please be aware that dark-colored items may fade if exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods.
Storage
- Store in a well-ventilated area. * Before long-term storage, we recommend drying the item in the sun to remove any lingering moisture.
- Moisture Prevention: Cotton filling is sensitive to humidity. To prevent moisture buildup and mold, do not store in airtight plastic bags. Instead, use a breathable material such as a non-woven fabric bag.
Important Notes on Product
- Handcrafted Quality: Each of our products is handcrafted by skilled artisans—from cutting and sewing to filling and finishing. As a result, there may be slight variations in size, shape, weight, and firmness between individual pieces. We appreciate your understanding of these unique, handmade qualities.
- Natural Wear and Cushioning: Since this product is filled with cotton, the degree of compression over time will vary depending on the frequency of use, the user’s body type, and how the item is handled. Please understand that settling (loss of loft) is a natural characteristic of cotton filling and should be expected over time.
- Static and Fiber Migration: Due to the nature of cotton filling, friction against clothing or other fabrics may cause static electricity. This can occasionally cause fine cotton fibers to work their way through the outer fabric. We appreciate your understanding of this material trait.
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how to enjoy Kutsurogi
Relaxation in Every Style
As times change, this piece of traditional Japanese hospitality remains constant. Today, zabutons are an essential part of daily life in modern Japan, offering comfort and relaxation for floor seating. Beyond the home, they are also widely used in meditation practices to deepen focus and mindfulness.
ALL MADE BY HAND
The Importance of Our Craftsmen
three characteristics of kyoto zabuton
Not all Zabutons are made the same, even though they are all used for floor seating.
Here’s how to tell a Kyoto Zabuton from ordinary zabutons—and why it offers a more comfortable sitting experience.
”SAMPO-TOJI”: THREE-PRONGED STITCH
The three-pronged stitch on top of the Zabuton, known as toji, helps keep the cotton filling evenly distributed.
Unlike ordinary Zabutons, which typically use a cross-shaped toji, the Y-shaped toji is unique to Kyoto Zabutons. The tail of the Y indicates the front of the Zabuton, making it easier for the user to orient the cushion.
”KAMABOKO-GATA”: DOME SHAPE
The front of a freshly made Zabuton has a gentle dome shape, reminiscent of kamaboko fish cake, while the back remains flat. This distinctive form is created by placing more cotton at the center—where the body’s weight naturally rests—to provide exceptional sitting comfort.
Each Zabuton is carefully crafted by skilled artisans, with the user’s comfort always in mind.
As the Zabuton gradually settles over time, its surface remains stable and smooth. Artisans capable of creating Zabuton that age so evenly and beautifully flat are considered truly skilled.
”SUMI-FUSA”: TASSELLED CORNERS
The tassels at the corners of a Zabuton, called sumifusa, are more than decoration—they are a traditional technique that keeps the cotton from slipping out of the corners.
Since ancient times in Japan, these tassels have also been believed to protect the person sitting on the Zabuton from evil spirits, adding a subtle layer of care and thoughtfulness to every cushion.
MAKE IT YOURS
Sizes
Available in four traditional Japanese sizes: S, M, L, and XL.
Need a custom size? We’d be happy to create one for you—please contact us!
Compact and cozy—perfect for smaller spaces
S: 50x55cm
The modern standard—ideal for contemporary living
M: 55x59cm
A traditional, classic size that is slightly larger than Size M
L: 59x63cm
Spacious and generous—also suitable for a Buddhist altar
XL: 64x68cm
Fabric
Choose Your Colors & Personalize
Customize your zabuton to perfectly suit your home. Our cotton collection features nearly 50 distinct colors and patterns—ranging from subtle solids to classic Japanese motifs and Nordic prints—allowing you to tailor every detail to your personal style.
