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What is displayed in a tokonoma alcove in a traditional Japanese reception room?

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The main building (kondo) at Horyu-ji Temple in Ikaruga, Nara, Japan, features multi-tiered, tiled roofs and wooden architectural details on a stone base. — Japanese architecture Main building at Hōryū Temple, Ikaruga, Nara prefecture, Japan.

In a traditional Japanese reception room, the tokonoma serves as the focal point of the interior. It is an alcove designed for the display of a single, high-quality work of art, which is frequently changed to reflect the season or the mood of the occasion.12

Common items displayed in the tokonoma include:
* Paintings: Often in the form of hanging scrolls.12
* Flower arrangements: These typically accompany the artwork.2
* Pottery: Various decorative ceramic pieces.1

The tokonoma originated from the private altar found in the homes of Zen Buddhist priests and evolved into a dedicated space for aesthetic appreciation. By focusing on a single, curated display rather than multiple decorations, the Japanese interior emphasizes beauty through frugality and careful arrangement.12