Of a wide variety of chozubachi, there is "jujube" shape, shihobutsu shape with carvings of Buddhist figures on four sides, "priest-robe" shape, etc. Generally, four stones constitute the group around the chozubachi. One stone is placed right under the veranda directly facing the basin to check the water from splashing further under the house. A flat surfaced stone on the left of it is for the host to stand on in offering water to a high personage, and another stone facing it on the right should be of an artistic form placed as if in the attitude of peeping into the charm of the composition, of which it is a part. Another stone with flattened top should be implanted on the left side of and somewhat behind the basin so as to reveal only half of it from the front. This is to be mounted on when pouring fresh water into the basin. Encircled by these stones a drain is formed which is often made to appear as the source of the garden stream. The placing of the stones, though each may not be used as indicated above, should nevertheless be guided by that principle to obtain a beautiful composition. Equipped with its proper surrounding, with its artistic sleeve-fence and trees, the chozubachi serves as a connecting link between the house and the garden.
[A Chozubachi was originally a stone water-basin used by Buddhist Monks]
