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Niwa Futon
AGOBAY zafu
NOTIFY ME WHEN AVAILABLE
Description
Created in collaboration with Zen monk Tosei Shinabe, and crafted by Niwa Futon in Nagoya, Japan, our small rectangular zafu cushion is designed especially for Zazen. It lifts your hips and helps tilt your pelvis slightly forward, which encourages a stable, upright posture and natural alignment. This creates a comfortable and supportive foundation for extended periods of seated meditation.
Stockist
AGOBAY Showroom ZurichOur collaboration began with a question: how can the act of sitting, so central to Zen, be supported through the craft of futon making? The response resulted in much discussion between fifth-generation futon maker Takuya Niwa, current custodian of his Nagoya-based family business, Niwa Futon, and Zen monk Tosei Shinabe, who teaches Zazen daily in Kyoto – followed by several iteration rounds, a two-month testing period by Tosei and further refinement. The cushion is made entirely by hand – from procuring and fluffing the cotton filling to carefully stitching the linen cover with silk thread. Historically, the zafu can be traced back to China’s Tang dynasty, where round bulrush-stuffed seats called ‘putuan’ supported meditation.
Our zafu can be used on both sides. There is no designated front or back, so you may use either side equally. For additional comfort and support, we recommend pairing your zafu with our larger zabuton, which you would place underneath the zafu. They can also be purchased as a pair.
40 x 31 x 10cm
Fabric: linen. Filling: cotton. Stitching thread: silk
Your zafu cannot be machine washed – or washed with water at all. If you are concerned about dirt, we recommend lightly wiping the affected area with a cloth.
For regular care, airing it out in the sun is the most effective method. Ideally, it should be placed outdoors in direct sunlight on a clear day. If direct sunlight is difficult to achieve in your environment, simply placing it near a sunny window will also be effective. This will be enough to ensure long-lasting use.
Every object is meticulously packaged to ensure its safe delivery. In the rare event of any damage occurring during shipping, please contact us within a week of delivery. Since self-care products are an intimate sensory escape, we regretfully do not accept any returns.
