The tokobashira frames one side of the display alcove. Its species of timber, the presence of knots, whether it is squared or left round, and whether the bark is retained all state the formality and character of the room concisely. A straight, knot-free, straight-grained post is formal; a round log or a bent post with bark left on belongs to a thatched-style room.
Origins
Shoin architecture used a squared cypress post as standard. Rikyu and the wabi tea masters used red pine logs and bamboo instead, and this became one of the emblematic features of wabi taste. Preferred timbers differ by school and region — Kitayama cedar, Yoshino cedar, red pine, camellia, and striped persimmon among them.
In practice
The choice of post alone sets much of the tone of a room, so it is one of the first things an experienced guest looks at. It is not decorated; its interest is entirely in the material.
About this article
Edited by the operator of Chaen (a one-person operation) / Last updated:
Tea ceremony descriptions can vary by school and source. Where interpretations differ, this glossary avoids definitive claims and focuses on broadly shared understandings. If you notice an error, please let us know viaContact. To learn about our organization, seeAbout Chaen.
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Related terms
- Chado (The Way of Tea)chado
The Japanese practice of preparing and serving powdered green tea, treated as a lifelong discipline rather than a beverage ritual.
- Wabiwabi
Finding sufficiency of mind within insufficiency and plainness; one of the root concepts of tea practice.
- Ichigo ichie (one time, one meeting)ichigo ichie
The principle that every gathering is unrepeatable, and should therefore be treated as if it will never occur again.
- Tokonoma (display alcove)tokonoma
The raised alcove holding the hanging scroll and flowers; the place where a gathering's theme is stated.