Tokonoma
Atokonoma(Giường の gian),[1]or simplytoko(Giường),[2][3]is a recessed space in a Japanese-style reception room, in which items for artistic appreciation are displayed. In English, atokonomacould be called analcove.
History
[edit]There are two theories about the predecessor oftokonoma:the first is that it derives from the room structure of theshinden-zukuri,which flourished in theHeian period(794–1185) and declined in theMuromachi period(1336–1573); the second is that it derives from the room structure ofZenmonasteries in theKamakura period(1185–1333). In the room of the monastery, there was a board calledoshiita(Áp bản)which displayed Buddhist altar fittings such as candlesticks, incense burners and vases. On the wall behindoshiitawas a hanging scroll with a Buddhist theme. The second theory is that theoshiitaand the back wall developed into ashoin-zukuri-styletokonomain the Muromachi period.[4][5]
Inshoin-zukuri,an architectural style developed in the Muromachi period,tokonomacame to be used as room decoration, and the owner of the house sat in front oftokonomadecorated with various things to meet guests. However, in the case of important guests, the householder, in deference to them, had them sit in front of thetokonoma.[6]
Characteristics
[edit]The items typically displayed in atokonomaare calligraphic or pictorialscrollsand anikebanaflower arrangement.Bonsaiandokimonoare also common—although traditionally, bonsai were not considered worthy for a place of such respect. Thetokonomaand its contents are essential elements of traditional Japanese interior decoration. Thekanjitoko( giường ) literally means "floor" or "bed";ma( gian ) means "space" or "room".
When seating guests in a Japanese-style room, the correctetiquetteis to seat the most important guest closest to thetokonomaas this is in the location furthest from the entrance, a location called thekamiza.[7] Stepping within it is strictly forbidden, except to change the display, when a strict etiquette must be followed.[8]
The pillar on one side of thetokonoma,calledtoko-bashira(Giường trụ),is usually made of wood, specially prepared for the purpose. It can range from a seemingly raw trunk with bark still attached, to a square piece of heart wood with very straight grain. The choice oftoko-bashiradetermines the level of formality for thetokonoma.
American architectFrank Lloyd Wrightwas influenced by Japanese architecture. He translated the meaning of thetokonomainto its Western counterpart: thefireplace.[9]This gesture became more of a ceremonial core in his architecture.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Kenkyusha's New Japanese-English Dictionary,Kenkyusha Limited,ISBN4-7674-2015-6
- ^KōjienJapanese dictionary, entry fortokonoma.
- ^Genshoku Chadō DaijitenJapanese encyclopedia of Chanoyu. Iguchi Kaisen, et al., supv. eds. (Kyoto: Tankosha, 1986 10th ed.) entry forToko.
- ^Tokonoma.Shinken press.
- ^Genshoku Chadō DaijitenJapanese encyclopedia of Chanoyu, entry forToko
- ^Tokonoma.Kotobank
- ^Vardaman, James M. (1994).Japanese etiquette today: a guide to business & social customs(1st ed.). Rutland, Vt.: C.E. Tuttle.ISBN1462902391.
- ^"What are the three rules in Washitsu?".Kai Japanese Room.2024-01-30.Retrieved2024-02-03.
- ^Nute, Kevin (1993).Frank Lloyd Wright and Japan.London: Chapman & Hall. p. 61
Further reading
[edit]- Hisao, Maye (1997). "Theorizing About the Origins of the Tokonoma".Chanoyu Quarterly(86): 22–39.ISSN0009-1537.OCLC4044546.
External links
[edit]
Media related toTokonomaat Wikimedia Commons
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