Chozubachi - Water basin

This refers to a water basin for washing hands. Stone objects are most commonly used, but ceramic, iron, copper, and wooden objects are also used. There are some slight differences in style for tsukubai (a water basin), standing, and hachimae (a water basin with a rim), but there are many that can be used in common. There are many different styles, but they can be broadly categorized into natural stone, processed objects, and objects for use. Natural stone objects include those that resemble natural stones and have water holes dug into them, and examples such as "Fuzankai" that utilize naturally occurring depressions for the water holes. Processed objects include a variety of shapes based on circles, squares, and polygons, such as natsume (a Japanese caddy), iron bowl, square kesa (a Buddhist robe), and water basins. The antiquarianism of the tea ceremony has also led to the creation of water basins of various designs, utilizing parts of stupas, pagodas, pagodas with treasure boxes, stone lanterns, foundation stones, bridge pilings, etc. In particular, the designs of these water basins often add a sense of charm to the building and skillfully create harmony with the garden.

[Masaaki Nakamura]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

手洗いに使うための水鉢をいう。石造品がもっとも多く使われるが、陶製、鉄製、銅製、木製のものも用いられる。蹲踞(つくばい)用、立ち使い用、鉢前(はちまえ)（縁先手水鉢）用とでは、多少形式を異にするものもあるが、共通して使えるものが少なくない。形式はすこぶる多いが、自然石系、加工物系、利用物系に大別することができる。自然石系では、自然石を見立て適宜水穴をうがったものもあれば、「釜山海(ふざんかい)」のごとく水穴も自然に生じたくぼみを活用する例がある。加工物では、たとえば棗(なつめ)型、鉄鉢型、方形袈裟(けさ)型、水盤型など、円形、方形、多角形を基本に多様な形がくふうされた。また茶の湯の好古趣味は、五輪塔、宝塔、宝篋印塔(ほうきょういんとう)、石灯籠(いしどうろう)、礎石、橋杭(はしぐい)などの部分を活用して、さまざまな意匠の水鉢をつくりだした。とくに鉢前手水鉢では、これらの水鉢の意匠が、しばしば建物に情趣を添え、庭との調和を巧みに演出する。

［中村昌生］

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