Calligraphy, Prosperity and honor are good fortune (Fuki kore kissho)

Items in the alcove (tokonoma)

The decorative alcove, or tokonoma, is a small yet important space in the tearoom as the objects arranged there set the theme or tone of a gathering. As with all utensils, the host usually takes great care in selecting what to place in the tokonoma and how to arrange it. Often we see a simple arrangement of a hanging scroll, flowers in a vase, and an incense container, which may be placed below the hanging scroll when the host wants to indicate to the guests that the open hearth will not be replenished with charcoal.