Japanese Teahouse and Garden
Our teahouse and gardens were designed by
Japanese architects in 1990. While most Japanese gardens are
lush and use water as a central theme, the garden at Northern
Arizona University will use native Arizona plants and only
makes reference to water. Like the garden, the teahouse, while
traditional in design, is an American translation of a Japanese
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The teahouse was completed
in the summer of 2003. The garden is an ongoing project which
utilizes volunteers from the NAU Green House, The Flagstaff
Arboretum, Master Gardeners of Flagstaff, Americorp and NAU
ceramics students.
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This sign post, which says
“Japanese Tea House,” was made during a Noborigama
wood fire workshop in the summer of 2005. It marks the rear
entrance to the garden on the path leading to the teahouse. |
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The interior, specifically
the waiting area inside the teahouse (above), waiting area
and tea utensil storage areas (above right) and the sliding
wooden door to the tearoom (right). This is the traditional
entryway.
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The tearoom is four and a half tatami mats
in dimension. The Ro pit in the middle of the floor is used
to heat water for tea. The alcove in the tearoom is called
the Tokonoma, which literally means “bed space”.
It is a recessed area with a slightly elevated floor where
artwork is displayed. It is a place of honor, usually with
a picture or a scroll with haiku or a flowerpot displaying
seasonal flowers. The post at the left front of the Tokonoma
is called the Toko-Bashira. It is a post in its natural
state with most or all of the bark removed. Knots, bark
or chisel marks are not considered a problem, they are desirable.
This post may represent the spirit of a particular individual,
in this case that of Yukio Yamamoto.
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| Tea bowl display shelves. |
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Scroll in the Tokonoma. |
Exterior view of the tearoom door.
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Ceramic tower made by Don
Bendel for the garden during the 2005 workshop. |
Lantern made during the 2005 workshop.
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