EzerpCo Barcelona is around the world. The table originates from Japan. Most of the houses in the region are not insulated compared to houses in western countries. Since they lack central heating, the Japanese rely on space heating to keep warm during harsh climatic conditions.
During the 17th century, the Japanese made some significant changes to the structure where they include a blanket on the platform to help them place their legs underneath the Kotatsu table for warmth. They also started creating movable Kotatsu tables to increase portability. Over the years, people have emulated different styles of making Kotatsu. The modern style is commonly known as oki-gotatsu.
They also replaced the use of charcoal with electricity as the source of heat. Manufacturers started installing electric heating fixtures to Kotatsu tables making them modernized and easy to use. Western countries emulated the Japanese and started using these tables in their households. In Japan, people wear traditional robes which allow the distribution of heat across the entire bodies when seated next to a Kotatsu. They also sit on Zabuton cushions and let their legs go under the table.
PURPOSE
Japanese houses, unlike western ones, aren’t quite as insulated. There is no central heating. It is quite expensive to have central heating in Japan due to the structure and design of most Japanese homes. Hence, instead of centralized heating, Japanese turned to spot or space heating as a source of warmth. This is when the kotatsu was introduced, to primarily insulate heat in the body at lower costs.
HOW IT WORKS
Most people may think that these tables are not effective and can only warm the lower part of the body. Its heat could easily go through Kimonos and trap the heat throughout the body.
Though we normally find its purpose as a dining table to keep families warm while eating. Moreover As long as one wants to keep himself warm under the kotatsu. Some people even take naps or sleep under the kotatsu to keep themselves warm despite of the uneven insulation.
The Kotatsu table is proven not only to be cost saving, but also quite versatile. Families can use the kotatsu not only during the winter to keep them warm. It can also be used during summer by removing the blanket and unplugging the electric heater. Finally taking out the warm functionality of the kotatsu.
No comments:
Post a Comment