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Would you like a free Bonsai e-book? Click here Select: stone basins, garden bridges Japanese garden decor: stone basins
Stone Water Basins:The Chozubachi or water basin, is located near the garden gate and invites visitors to come in and refresh themselves. It provides a bamboo ladle so that one may have a cooling drink, or guests may dip their fingers into the cool, clear water and stroke it over their forehead and eyes. By this gesture they relax away the worries of the day. Many Zen rituals encourage people to "turn the page" or go beyond where they presently are. There is a suggestion of forgiveness in this water ritual, as tense, furrowed brows are touched with the cleansing water spirit of the chozubachi. Carved Ornamental Basin: The carved stone boat shown in the picture below is a fine example of an ornamental basin. Large stones can be carved in a variety of shapes such as fish, frogs, turtles, etc. Sometimes a decorative pot is used. Notice the absence of the bamboo dripping vessel and cedar bucket.  Rain-Catching Stones: Originating in China as a form of P'en J'ing, special stones that reminded scholars of natural scenery or objects were collected and displayed. One classification emerged as the "water stone". 
These stones have natural hollows that remind the viewer of a high lake surrounded by mountains, or a glacier-fed valley below a snow-capped peak. Natural fissures and crystalline streaks in the rock suggest streams, waterfalls and snow.The Japanese enjoyed viewing these special stones and call it suiseki. The natural hollows in the rock collect rainwater and give back to us the illusion of a miniature world within the garden. 
Tsukubai carved stone basin:The Tsukubai carved stone basin can be distinguished from the first basin on this page, the chozubachi, by its shorter height. It is often placed on a low, flat rock and requires the visitor to bend a bit to reach the water. The act of bending towards the water becomes an act of supplication and reverence. The lack of a dipper suggests that this water is for the soul only, and that one must bend his or her knee a bit to receive its blessing. The special arrangement of the tsukubai suggests that you are entering a sacred portion of the garden - perhaps the outer garden of the teahouse - or approaching a shrine. 
Suikinkutsu or water harp:One of the most special items to be found within a Japanese garden is the Suikinkutsu, or water harp chamber. Invisible to the naked eye, it is located underneath the stone basin of a tsukubai. When the excess water runs over the edge of the tsukubai, it drops down onto polished pebbles below. Hidden below the ground is another large basin, often a ceramic vase. When the water hits the pebbles, tiny droplets creep through and fall the additional distance into the vase, making a sound somewhat similar to what you would hear in an underground cave. Creating these underground chambers is complex and exacting, as one has to literally "tune" the chamber by matching the droplet size, rate of free-fall, rate of discharge of excess water, and the volume of the resonating ceramic chamber. In the photo above, left, you can clearly see the large pebbles that catch the excess water from the top basin. One way to tell that this is a suikinkutsu is the absence of a visible drain to remove the excess water. The drain is underground, hidden away in the echo chamber. The main way to tell that this is a Suikinkutsu or water harp, however, is by the sound. Deer Chaser: The deer chaser is a clever contraption that makes a loud "clunk" as water pours from one section of it to another. 
Water comes into it from a bamboo spout, just as in the chozubachi at the very top of the page, but then, instead of dropping into the basin, it pours into another hollow bamboo rod. When this hollow rod fills with water, the weight of the water tips this second section of bamboo downward, causing it to spill its contents into the basin. Empty, it then returns to its upright position with a loud "knock" as its end bumps on the stone to which it is fixed. Ready to be filled once more, the process begins anew. Information based on: The Art of Japanese Gardens: Designing & Making Your Own Peaceful Space Suppliers: 
Bamboo Deer Chaser Fountain w/ AC Pump KitKnown in Japan as the Deer Chaser, this traditional fountain combines the peaceful sound of falling water with soft tapping rhythms. This garden classic is made from durable solid bamboo mounted to a rot-resistant base. AC pump has 6 feet of submersible cable. 12"H. Details |
