Choosing a Japanese Garden Fountain
One of the most subtle but striking features of a Japanese-themed garden is the so-called Japanese garden fountain, which had the ancient function of ritual purification in the Shinto and Buddhist places of worship as well as in the tea ceremony. It emphasizes harmony with nature through the use of natural materials like bamboo and granite as well as in its organic design.
You can install a Japanese-style garden fountain in your garden, even inside the house, regardless of the space available. You just need to make good choices, which are discussed below.
Chozubachi or Tsukubai
It must be emphasized that both chozubachi and tsukubai are types of garden fountains in a Japanese garden. The major differences between the two types lie in their history and height.
The Japanese garden fountain called chozubachi has its origins in the 13th century as purification basins filled with pure water, which guests to a shrine must cleanse themselves with through ritual washing of the hands and mouth. Usually, a chozubachi will reach heights of 16 inches and above. The tsukubai share similar functions as the chozubachi but was used primarily in tea gardens instead of shrines. It is lower at just 12 inches or less in height.
You can have both the chozubachi and tsukubai in your garden. Just make sure that only one is the focus in each niche, as you want to maintain harmony in the garden, not competition between the elements.
Traditional or Self-Contained
You also have the choice of either a traditional or a self-contained Japanese garden fountain. Of course, your final choice will depend on many factors like the location, the budget, and the aesthetics you are trying to achieve. For example, the traditional type is more suited to the outdoors since the design calls for water overflowing the basin and then into a hidden reservoir.
In a self-contained fountain, you have the advantage of the basin holding a larger amount of water. Thus, you need not fill the fountain with water as often as you would the traditional kind. You will, however, probably spend more on the self-contained type. Again, you can have the two types of Japanese garden fountain in your home. The trick is in making sure that each one has its safety precautions and beauty accoutrements to bring out the uniqueness of each type.
Kakei or Shishi-Odoshi
Both Kakei and Shishi-Odoshi are types of bamboo spouts used in Japanese-style garden fountains. The difference is in their designs although it must be emphasized that both serve the purpose of providing a slow but steady trickle of soothing water into the fountain's basin.
You can opt for the kakei, which is the traditional T-bar shaped bamboo spout found in most garden fountains. You may have the spout as long or as short as you desire. You may also look into the shishi-odoshi, which literally means deer chaser since it was used as a means to scare off deer and boars in the fields. It works by filling up the upturned spout with water, which will then move down and hit the basin at the bottom, thus, creating a soft sound.
No matter the Japanese garden fountain you choose, however, always remember that it is meant to evoke peace and serenity, harmony and balance. Just a seat to enjoy the sights and sounds will be an excellent addition.