A tokobashira (床柱) is the decorative post that stands at the side of the tokonoma, the alcove where a scroll and a seasonal flower arrangement are displayed. "Toko" refers to the alcove and "hashira" means post or pillar.
It's the one post in a tea room or formal Japanese room that's chosen for character rather than uniformity. Builders often pick a log with natural texture, an unusual grain, knots or even bark left on, sometimes an exotic or rare wood. Many tokobashira are left partly in their natural round shape instead of being squared off like the other posts. Because it sits next to the most honored spot in the room, it's often treated as the room's showpiece, and guests notice and admire it.
A tokobashira (床柱) is the decorative post that stands at the side of the tokonoma, the alcove where a scroll and a seasonal flower arrangement are displayed. "Toko" refers to the alcove and "hashira" means post or pillar.
It's the one post in a tea room or formal Japanese room that's chosen for character rather than uniformity. Builders often pick a log with natural texture, an unusual grain, knots or even bark left on, sometimes an exotic or rare wood. Many tokobashira are left partly in their natural round shape instead of being squared off like the other posts. Because it sits next to the most honored spot in the room, it's often treated as the room's showpiece, and guests notice and admire it.
