KOTATSU (Staying Warm in Japan) [View all]

[yuiyoshida]

Last edited Sat Feb 15, 2014, 05:57 PM - Edit history (1)

The modern style of kotatsu (oki-gotatsu) consists of a table with an electric heater attached to the underside of the table. This evolved from a clay pot with hot coals placed under a table. The kotatsu is usually set on a thin futon, like a throw rug. A second, thicker futon is placed over the kotatsu table, above which the tabletop is placed. The electric heater attached to the underside of the table heats the space under the comforter.





n the 21st century, the kotatsu typically consists of the electric heater attached to the frame, which is no longer limited to wood but may be made of plastic or other materials. Generally, a blanket (or shitagake) is draped over the frame and heater and under the table-top. This first blanket is covered by a second heavier blanket, known as a kotatsu-gake. Kotatsu-gake are often decorative and can be designed to match home décor. A person sits on the floor or on zabuton cushions with their legs under the table and the blanket draped over the lower body. The kotatsu was designed when people most commonly wore traditional Japanese style clothes, where the heat would enter through the bottom of the robes and exit around the neck, thus heating the entire body.




http://www.core77.com/blog/object_culture/the_kotatsu_a_different_way_of_thinking_about_tables_8837.asp

more...http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kotatsu