Ryoan-ji Zenigata Chozubachi, Stone Tsukubai Water Ornament

A Chōzubachi (手水鉢) is a water ornament that is common in traditional Japanese gardens. It is used for ritual hand washing and cleaning the mouth before a person is allowed to participate in the tea ceremony or enter sacred grounds. The word Chōzubachi literally means "water bowl for the hands.".

This Chōzubachi can be very beautifully used in the traditional Tsukubai arrangement. In this authentic setup, specific functional stones called Yaku-ishi (役石) are placed around the Chōzubachi. The stones on the left and right sides are called Teshoku-ishi (手燭石) and Yuoke-ishi (湯桶石), while the stepping stone at the front is called Mae-ishi (前石). A stone Ikekomi lantern can also be placed behind Chōzubachi together with a tree and various plants. In addition, bamboo elements such as a Shishi Odoshi water supply and Hishaku spoon are often incorporated into the arrangement.

The term Tsukubai is a compound of the verb Tsukubau (蹲う), which means bending or crouching. This not only refers to the practical use of the posture, but also emphasizes the importance of humility. An aspect that can be seen as the core of Japanese society and culture.

The Ryōan-ji (竜安寺) Chōzubachi is an example of a Zenigata (銭形), or coin-shaped water ornament. The name Ryōan-ji comes from the famous temple in Kyoto with the same name where the type originated. The four characters on each side of the Chōzubachi all form a new character in combination with the square water reservoir in the center, which represents the character for mouth or opening (口).

All combinations are as follows:

• 1. 吾 (true) means: I
• 2. 唯 (tada) means: only
• 3. 足 (taru) means: sufficient
• 4. Shiru means: knowing

Together, these characters form a sentence that translates quite literally: If you are satisfied with what you have, then you are spiritually rich.