蹲つくばい

noun

stone wash basin in a Japanese garden

A low stone basin used for ritual hand washing in traditional Japanese gardens, especially tea gardens (roji). Visitors crouch to use it, hence the name.

• 茶ちゃ室しつの前まえに蹲つくばいが置おかれている。

  A tsukubai is placed in front of the tea room.

• 蹲つくばいで手てを清きよめる。

  Purify your hands at the tsukubai.