Basin History and Setup

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.  We 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

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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