There are no set rules for the placement of basin fountains in the
Japanese garden and there are many ways to set them up. Included is a brief history of the
Japanese garden stone water basin and several styles of construction set-up. I have
also included several examples of the fountain placement in the garden to give you few
ideas for your Japanese garden creation!
Japanese Garden Water Basin History
The stone water basin has had a time honored place in Japanese
gardens for
centuries. Stone water basins or "chozubachi" originated in ancient shrines and
temples for worshipers to wash their hands and rinse their mouths before entering the
shrine as an act of purifying the mind and body. The water basin originated as
"chozubachi's", which were usually 16" or taller in height. Tea-masters
later redesigned the bowls for Japanese tea gardens to the height of 12" or shorter
to create the "tsukubai". The tsukubai or crouching bowl was designed to
humble guest and create the right state of mind before guests joined the tea ceremony.
Many Japanese gardens today have both the chozubachi and tsukubai and are often fed with
water from a bamboo spout called "kakei".
 Setting up a Water Basin Fountain
There are many ways to set-up water basin fountains, but here are just
several examples. In Japan, most water basins are fed with fresh water through a bamboo
fountain where water flows over the basin into a hidden reservoir that contains a drain
pipe. This photograph is from the book Japanese courtyard gardens - to purchase this
book online please see our favorite books link. This stone basin is a
"chozubachi" because it is taller in height. Its beautiful aged look and
distinct antique patina developed from the flowing water.
 In this enchanting
view, the "tsukubai" or crouching basin is set-up in a water reservoir with a
traditional Japanese bamboo fountain, but it is very unique in that the reservoir of water
is viewed around the basin and not hidden. Although this is rarely seen, I find it very
visually appealing. The above water reservoir provides a delicate reflection of the
surrounding plants in combination with a riverbed of colored pebbles. It would also
provide a lovely retreat for birds and wildlife.
Get creative and add personal touches to your garden creation to make your
own personal retreat!
Ways to Set-up a
Water Basin Fountain
Click any image for
close-up view
 Traditional Japanese Garden Overflowing Basin
This is the traditional Japanese
garden
set-up for a "tsukubai" water basin. The basin is slightly set so the water runs
over only the front of the basin into a hidden reservoir.
Equipment needed: basin with no hole, variable rate pump, bamboo fountain, grate,
gravel and a reservoir liner.
 Overflowing Basin Set-up
To set-up an overflowing basin, the basin would not need a drilled hole
since the water would overflow from the top of the basin into the reservoir as shown in
the diagram.
Equipment need: basin with no hole, variable
rate pump, bamboo fountain, bricks, grate, gravel and a 40 mil. liner. We suggest a
40 mil. liner for all reservoirs because it is less likely to get punctured by stones and
tree roots.
Japanese Garden Tsukubai
Placement with a Sea of Gravel
 There
are no set rules on placement of the tsukubai (crouching bowl) in the Japanese
garden, but
as a general rule it is best to separate fountains from waterfalls for the two strong
elements will compete for attention. Set a stone lantern nearby for vertical balance.
Placement and set-up of fountains is mainly a matter of the garden creators preference. I
have seen basins placed with a sea of gravel and many without any sea. Here are two
examples of placing a basin in a sea.
In Japanese tea gardens, the tsukubai are often seen set up either placed
on the "edge of the sea" or placed in the "center of the sea". A
flat rock is usually placed directly in front of the basin for which a person would stand
while washing. Two larger rocks on each side of the basin balances the setting. A
bed of gravel represents the sea and covers the reservoir. Placed at the "edge
of the sea", the basin can be self-contained or overflowing down the front into the
reservoir. For the overflowing effect, the basin should be slightly higher in the back so
the water spills only down its front into the sea of gravel.
 In the
"center of sea" placement, the basin is placed in the middle of the sea of
gravel surrounded by stones. The basin can be set-up with or without a reservoir or
self-contained.
For more information on Japanese gardens, Japanese tea gardens,
Japanese garden history, Japanese fountains, Japanese garden ideas and placement of
Japanese garden
ornaments, visit our book link for our recommended favorite Japanese garden books.
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