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Zabuton - Natural Cork Leather - 40 cm Square

Zabuton - Natural Cork Leather - 40 cm Square

$69.00 USD
$69.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Fabric Color (Non-Cork Side)

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Made to Order | Current production time: about 3 weeks

The product is made after your order is confirmed.
Production time may vary depending on the season.

Features

A square Zabuton cushion with two usable surfaces: cotton fabric on one side and natural cork leather on the other.

The fabric side has a soft, familiar feel, while the cork leather side has a firmer texture and a simple natural look. Either side can be used as the top surface.

The cushion is filled with 100% cotton and finished by hand.

  • Size: 40 × 40 cm (15.7 × 15.7 in)
  • Fabric side: Cotton or linen and ramie fabirc
  • Other side: Natural cork leather
  • Filling: 100% organic cotton, approx. 0.3 kg (0.7 lb)
  • Either side can be used as the top surface
  • Cork bark harvested in central India
  • Soft and flexible cork surface


The listed Zabuton size refers to the fabric dimensions, as with our Futon Mattresses (Shikifutons). Once the cotton filling is added, the cushion gains volume, so the finished size may appear approximately 10 cm (4.0 in) smaller than the fabric size.


cork leather stitch cork leather binding

Cork Leather

Cork leather is the bark of the cork oak tree of the genus Quercus of the beech family.

We use cork leather produced in the forests of central India, where cork leather of high quality is produced, although the share of cork production is still small. It is soft and flexible, yet very durable due to the cotton fabric on the back.

When the cork oak is 20 years old and the diameter of the trunk is 20 cm, it undergoes its first peeling. After that, the bark is periodically peeled, and the processed products are used for various purposes, and it is said that harvesting is possible without cutting down the trees until they are about 250 years old.

Cork forests also contribute greatly to the prevention of global warming. Peeled cork trees absorb three to five times more carbon dioxide than usual. Not cutting down trees, using the material without using all of it, and helping to prevent global warming are the reasons why cork is said to be an environmentally friendly material.

Filling

The filling is 100% organic cotton.

Our craftspeople layer and shape the cotton by hand, distributing it carefully so the Zabuton is evenly filled and supported through the center and edges.

The cotton has a firm, supportive fiber that works well for traditional Japanese cushions. It feels soft and full when new, then gradually settles and becomes denser with use.

No wool, polyester, flame retardants, pesticides, or adhesives are added to the filling.

Learn more about our organic cotton.

Craftsmanship: How We Make a Zabuton

Each Zabuton is made by hand using traditional Japanese futon-making techniques.

  • Layers of cotton are arranged by hand to create an even foundation.
  • The cotton is shaped and distributed carefully so that the filling reaches the edges while providing support at the center.
  • Each corner is filled and shaped by hand to form the final shape of the cushion.
  • After the cotton is inserted, the opening is sewn closed by hand with a blind stitch.

The shape and balance of each Zabuton are adjusted by hand as it is finished.

About Flat Dimensions

The listed dimensions are measured from seam to seam while the Zabuton is lying flat and unfilled.

Once the cotton filling is added, the Zabuton gains volume, so the finished length and width become smaller than the listed flat dimensions.

When new, the Zabuton is approximately 5–10 cm (2.0–3.9 in) thick. With use, the cotton gradually settles to around 3–5 cm (1.2–2.0 in).

Finished size and thickness may vary slightly depending on the amount of filling, temperature, humidity, and use.

How to Care Cork Item

This zabuton is not washable. Dry it in the sun from time to time to keep it clean and bring back the fluffy feel of cotton.

If it get stained, use a dry cloth or soft brush to gently remove it from the cork surface. If using water, use lukewarm water with a small amount of neutral detergent diluted in it, and wipe it off with a soft cloth. However, since the cork may be deformed if immersed in water, wipe it off only with a wet cloth.