An attractive Japanese granite chôzu’bachi 手水鉢 (water basin), of flat spherical bulbous form. The top features a circular basin with a downward-facetted edge. One side bears an uncommon detail: a carved line above a pyramid of three dots, resembling the family crest 紋 (mon) Ichimonji Mitsuboshi 一文字三つ星 (Three Stars with One Line), one of the crests of the Môri clan, heads of the Chôshû domain. Carved from grey-black mottled granite. A chôzu’bachi, or water reservoir, is a traditional feature in Japanese gardens, used for ritual hand and mouth cleansing, particularly before tea ceremonies or entry into temples and shrines. Dimensions: Height 23.5 cm, Diameter 43.5 cm. The age of such a stone item is difficult to determine. We think that this one is carved during the Meiji period (1868-1912). It is in a very good original condition. Please look at the photos for a condition reference. For safe transport, the basin will be securely packed on a wooden pallet. When shipped, we will include a certificate of authenticity.