Japanese Gardens » Granite Water Basins » Granite Water Basins Introduction

The "Chozubachi" and "Tsukubai" have had a time honoured place in Japanese gardens and tea gardens for centuries. Granite stone water basins or Chozubachi originated in ancient shrines and temples for worshippers to wash their hands and mouth as a symbol of purification.

The water basin originated as a Chozubachi, which were usually 16" or taller in height. Japanese 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 the guest and create the right state of mind in the Japanese tea garden before entering the tea house.