Tokonoma: Alcoves of Reverence and Welcoming Beauty

Overview

Tokonoma are a unique feature of tatami rooms, originally found in affluent households. Through the centuries, they slowly became standard fixtures for all social classes, including commoners. These alcoves were places of prayer for Buddhist monks, symbols of power for samurai, and condensed expressions of hospitality and beauty in the world of tea. Discover how tokonoma function in worship, and as places of welcome and spaces to admire artistic objects.