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Atokonoma (床の間),[1] or simplytoko (床),[2][3] is a recessed space in a Japanese-style reception room, in which items for artistic appreciation are displayed. In English, atokonoma could be called analcove.
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 ofZen monasteries in theKamakura period (1185–1333). In the room of the monastery, there was a board calledoshiita (押板) which displayed Buddhist altar fittings such as candlesticks, incense burners and vases. On the wall behindoshiita was a hanging scroll with a Buddhist theme. The second theory is that theoshiita and the back wall developed into ashoin-zukuri-styletokonoma in the Muromachi period.[4][5]
Inshoin-zukuri, an architectural style developed in the Muromachi period,tokonoma came to be used as room decoration, and the owner of the house sat in front oftokonoma decorated 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]
The items typically displayed in atokonoma are calligraphic or pictorialscrolls and anikebana flower arrangement.Bonsai andokimono are also common—although traditionally, bonsai were not considered worthy for a place of such respect. Thetokonoma and its contents are essential elements of traditional Japanese interior decoration. Thekanjitoko (床) literally means "floor" or "bed";ma (間) means "space" or "room".
When seating guests in a Japanese-style room, the correctetiquette is to seat the most important guest closest to thetokonoma as 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 (床柱), 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-bashira determines the level of formality for thetokonoma.
American architectFrank Lloyd Wright was influenced by Japanese architecture. He translated the meaning of thetokonoma into its Western counterpart: thefireplace.[9] This gesture became more of a ceremonial core in his architecture.
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