Lighting and Decoration
To provide illumination for the alcove, a shoji window can be built into the side of the alcove itself, or light from other sources can be used. In the past, a candlestand served as both illumination and decoration. However, as the development of paper shoji made rooms brighter in general, the custom of using a candle-stand fell into disuse. These days, of course, electric lighting can be employed instead of shoji lighting. An overhead light or spotlight can be fixed onto the back of the overhang; if not, it can be sunk into the ceiling. In addition, a paper-covered lamp can be placed on the floor of the alcove.
The articles, displayed in the alcove should vary according to the season, the guest, or the occasion. Although one may devote much attention to acquiring suitable pieces, they are never put out all at once, as is also true of the formal entranceway. Rather, the host tries to create different settings and offer fresh topics of conversation while bearing in mind, for example, a guest's fondness for a certain kind of flower or interest in a particular kind of pottery. In this way, the alcove can be seen as bringing together not only people but also art and life in one's own home.
Relationship with the Garden
The relationship between the room in which the alcove is located, and the garden, if there is one, is another point which should not be neglected. It is customary for the visitor, having once admired the objects on display, to sit in the position from which he can appreciate the south- or east-facing garden. It may seem strange to have the objects on display behind one's back, but the idea of sitting closest to the alcove requires that no other person be between the main guest and it, in order that the guest may appreciate it fully. In addition, since the entrance to the room in this kind of arrangement is on the southern or eastern side, the guest is farthest away from the area where people will be coming and going.
STAGGERED SHELF VARIATIONS
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