Auspicious Alcove in Douglas Fir, Cherry, Walnut and Sugi
A Tokonoma is an alcove in the traditional Japanese receiving room in which is often displayed a seasonal scroll, painting and typically a flower arrangement. Ajoining cabinetry provides storage and further areas to display objects of special meaning. Along with the Mandala Ceiling the Tokonoma is a signature element of the Econest home.
Tokoita
The primary, and most important surface in the Tokonoma is the Tokoita. Here we selected a wonderfuly clear slab of American Black Walnut with unique figure.
Upper Cabinets
On the opposing side of the Tokonoma alcove are a set of built in cabinets. The upper cabinets feature four sliding doors of Douglas Fir. Hidden within the upper cabinet is a remotly operated projection screen.
Staggered Shelves
Between the upper and lower cabinets are a set of staggered shelves, or chigaidana, of solid cherry. The shelves are connected with a ebizuka, a small colum featuring a flame pattern grain. On top, reminiscent of the dove's breast is a fudegaeshi, transitionally used to prevent scrolls from rolling off the shelves.
Lower Cabinet Slab
A figured Cherry live edge slab caps the lower cabinets, providing a secondary surface for the display of prized possessions.
Lower Cabinets
A lower set of larger cabinets hides away sundery items, featuring two sliding doors of the same design and construction of the upper cabients.
Tokobashira
The focal point of the Tokonoma is an amazing pealed pole of Japanese Cedar, Sugi. The trees are kept free of branches on thier lower trunks and when harvested, the bark is carfuly removed and then the pole is polished. The natural undulations of the tree truly must be seen to be believed.
