Outside The Box*: “Shishi odoshi”
Shishi odoshi (ししおどし, 鹿威し, Shishi odoshi?) literally means “deer scarer” in
Japanese. It is a water fountain used in Japanese gardens. Usually made of
bamboo, it contains one or more uprights with a hollow pivoting arm attached
into which water pours from a tube or pipe above it. When the arm gets full, the
weight of the water causes it to tip over and empty, making a sharp sound when
it hits a hard surface below it. This noise is intended to startle any deer
which may be grazing on the plants in the garden. The empty arm is then free to
swing back up into position and refill. The rhythmic clacking sound reminds
visitors to the garden of the passage of time. Although simple in design, it is
highly effective, and safer than most modern deer repellers. Some people collect
them as antiques.
*OUTSIDE THE BOX. An occasional series of thoughts and images. A breathing space. Because we can’t be shopping all the time:) Submissions are welcome.
