Western homes typically use an object on the perimeter as a focal point, such as a fireplace, a painting, or an elaborate window treatment. Japanese homes also commonly have display alcoves, called tokonoma. For example, three calligraphy brushes in a cup would be organic, and four pebbles on a dish would be disciplined.
Japanese displays are fluid.
In other words, a Japanese alcove may display a scroll one-week, and a set of pots the next. Eastern cultures tend to store and rotate objects. Japanese displays are a reflection of the season, celebration, or honored guest. This minimal approach focuses on the quality and craftsmanship. A westerner would also tend to add to a display to create a balance, whereas an easterner would create harmony by taking away.