About the Artist: 太田重樹

Oota Tatamiten is a long-established company founded in 1939 and has a store in Nishijin, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto City. Kyoto used to be a center of politics and culture, and many Buddhist temples and shrines are located in the city, so advanced techniques have been handed down in Tatami mat production. While machine manufacturing is advancing nationwide, our store continues to make tatami mats by hand using traditional techniques. The third-generation owner, Shigeki Ota, is highly regarded for his skills and ambition, holding such titles as “Certified Kyoto Craftsman*¹” and “Kyoto Prefecture Master Craftsman of Tomorrow*²”. *¹Kyomono Certified Craftsman: A title awarded to young craftsmen whose work is sought by young artisans who will lead the traditional industries of the future, and who are particularly skilled and ambitious. *² Kyoto Master Craftsman of Tomorrow: A title awarded to craftspeople who will support the future industrial base, with the aim of encouraging further improvement of their skills.