Ryoan-ji Zenigata Chozubachi, Stone Tsukubai Water Basin
Item description - YO03020006
Ryoan-ji Zenigata Chozubachi, Stone Tsukubai Water Basin - A Chōzubachi (手水鉢) is an ornamental water basin found in the traditional Japanese garden. It is used for the ritual washing of the hands and rinsing of the mouth before a person is allowed to participate in the tea ceremony or before entering holy grounds such as Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines. The word Chōzubachi directly translates to: Water basin for the hands.
This Chōzubachi can beautifully be used in a traditional Tsukubai arrangement. In this authentic set-up, specific functional stones named Yaku-ishi (役石) are placed around the Chōzubachi. The stones placed on either side are called Teshoke-ishi (手燭石) and Yuoke-ishi (湯桶石), while the Stepping stone in the front is called Mae-ishi (前石). A stone Ikekomi lantern can also be placed behind the Chōzubachi together with a tree and various plants. Additionally, a Hishaku bamboo ladle and a water supplying Shishi Odoshi are frequently integrated in the arrangement.
The term Tsukubai is a conjugation of the verb Tsukubau (蹲う), which means to bow or to crouch down. This is not only in reference to how the arrangement is practically used, but also emphasizing the importance of humbleness. An aspect that can be considered the core of Japanese society and culture as a whole.
The Ryōan-ji (龍安寺) Chōzubachi is an example of a Zenigata (銭形) or coin shaped water basin. The name Ryōan-ji comes from the famous temple with the same name in Kyoto from where the type originated. The four characters on each side of the Chōzubachi all form a new character together with the hole in the middle which represents the Kanji of 口, which is read as Kuchi, meaning mouth or opening.
All the combinations are as follows: • 1. 吾 (ware) meaning: I • 2. 唯 (tada) meaning: only • 3. 足 (taru) meaning: plenty • 4. 知 (shiru) meaning: to know
These characters form a sentence together which roughly translates to: When you learn to be content with what you have, you are rich in spirit.
Specifications • Origin: China • Material: Silver-grey granite • Age: Replica • Condition Rating: Condition: Mint
Thank you for visiting our online catalog for both businesses and private individuals. You can directly order this item
by using the orange button above and fill in the form. If you are interested in ordering various items, you can collect
them in your Shopping Cart and fill in the form once you have made your selection. After we have received your information,
we will provide you with a shipping quotation which is a necessary step because of the varying weights and sizes of our items.
If you accept the presented shipping costs, we will create an invoice for you which provides a clear overview of the order and
payment information. Payments can be made using all major credit cards, Google Pay, iDEAL or a direct bank transfer. After we
have received your payment, we will immediately prepare your order for transport, keeping you updated throughout the entire process.
Certificate of Authenticity
All antique Japanese items can be provided with a free digital Certificate of Authenticity. This document gives a clear overview of
the characteristics such as the age, the place of origin, the material it is made from, the dimension and the appraised value. All
information on the certificate is verified by multiple specialists and our Japanese suppliers, ensuring the authenticity.
Condition
Most items from the Yokoso catalog are antique and can show signs of old age. If you are interested in a certain piece but have
questions about the condition, please feel free to contact us. We gladly provide you with extra information.
Worldwide shipping from the Netherlands
Please complete the following form to request a non-binding shipping quotation