Tokonoma
A , or simply toko (), is a recessed space in a Japanese-style reception room, in which items for artistic appreciation are displayed. In English, a "tokonoma" could be called an alcove. History. There are two theories about the predecessor of "tokonoma": the first was derived from the room structure of the "shinden-zukuri" which flourished in the Heian period (794－1185) and declined in the Muromachi period (1336－1573), and the second was derived from the room structure of Zen monasteries in the Kamakura period (1185－1333). In the room of the monastery, there was a board called "oshiita" (押板) which displayed  Buddhist altar fittings such as candlesticks, incense burners and vases. On the wall behind "oshiita" was a hanging scroll with a Buddhist theme. The second theory is that the "oshiita" and the back wall developed into a "shoin-zukuri" style "tokonoma" in the Muromachi period. In "shoin-zukuri", an architectural style developed in the Muromachi period,"tokonoma" came to be used as room decoration, and the owner of the house sat in front of "tokonoma" decorated with various things to meet guests. However, in the case of important guests, the householder made them sit in front of the "tokonoma" to show  modesty. Characteristics. The items typically displayed in a "tokonoma" are calligraphic or pictorial scrolls and an ikebana flower arrangement. Bonsai and "okimono" are also common—although traditionally, bonsai were not considered worthy for a place of such respect. The "tokonoma" and its contents are essential elements of traditional Japanese interior decoration. The word 'toko' literally means "floor" or "bed"; 'ma' means "space" or "room". When seating guests in a Japanese-style room, the correct etiquette is to seat the most important guest with his or her back to the "tokonoma". This is because of modesty—the host should not be  seen to show off the contents of the "tokonoma" to the guest, and thus it is necessary not to point the guest towards the "tokonoma". Stepping within it is strictly forbidden, except to change the display, when a strict etiquette must be followed. The pillar on one side of the "tokonoma", called "toko-bashira" (床柱), is usually made of wood, specially prepared for the purpose. It can range from a seemingly raw trunk with bark still attached, to a square piece of heart wood with very straight grain. The choice of "toko-bashira" determines the level of formality for the  tokonoma. American architect Frank Lloyd Wright was influenced by Japanese architecture. He translated the meaning of the "tokonoma" into its western counterpart: the fireplace. This gesture became more of a ceremonial core in his architecture.