This round seat mat is made on Ishigaki Island in the Yaeyama Islands, using the leaves of shell ginger.

This page introduces four easy-to-use sizes for daily life—
diameters of about 5.91″, 7.87″, 9.84″, and 11.81″ (15, 20, 25, and 30 cm).

Shell ginger is a perennial plant belonging to the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) and the genus Alpinia.

The leaves, with their refreshing scent, are used for aromatherapy and herbal tea, and the fragrance is also known to have insect-repelling effects.

In the past, these seat mats were made from rice straw, but in Yaeyama, shell ginger has become the standard material—it has a pleasant scent, a soft texture, and can be gathered easily from the wild.

All sizes can be used on a kitchen counter, placed on a chair, or set directly on the floor.

They can be used throughout the year.
Because they are made from shell ginger grown in the southern islands of Okinawa,
they feel cool in summer and warm in winter, without the chill when you sit down.
Each piece is made entirely from shell ginger leaves, used generously throughout.

To be honest, I first wondered whether it would be suitable for winter,
but once I sat on it, I felt a gentle warmth spreading through—
and realized it can truly be used all year round.

Because the materials vary slightly and several craftspeople are involved in the weaving,
there are small differences in the density of the weave and in the finishing details.
The photos show one example of the finished look; we appreciate your understanding.

Although the shell ginger leaves have been dried, the scent is not strong,
but when you gently rub the surface, you can notice the refreshing aroma unique to the plant.

These round seat mats are made from the warm natural materials of the southern islands.
Please check the sizes carefully and choose the one that best suits your needs.

＊＊Basketry in Okinawa＊＊

Okinawa Prefecture includes a number of small islands
that were once part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, collectively known as the Ryukyu Archipelago.

The archipelago includes the Amami, Okinawa, Miyako, and Yaeyama Islands—
with only the Amami group now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.

The plants nurtured on these islands, lying between the Pacific Ocean and the East China Sea,
carry hues and qualities distinct from those of other regions of Japan.
Shaped by human hands, they have long been transformed into tools for daily life,
supporting the lives of the people.

Though each island is small in area, the tropical plants that thrive under the intense blue skies of Okinawa
grow vividly and abundantly, providing a rich source of materials for basketry and craft.

Please note:
This item ships from Japan.
As the buyer, you are responsible for any import duties, customs fees, or local taxes that may be charged in your country.
These costs are not included in the item price or shipping cost.
Please check with your local customs authority if you are unsure about any potential charges before placing your order.