The Simplicity of Catching Raindrops with a Rain Chain

A rain chain may seem as simple as it sounds. Well, it actually is! A rain chain is a simple outdoor decoration that catches rainwater and trickles down. These rain chains are widely used in Japan, and are making its way into American households as another added element to their outdoor decor.

“Kusari doi”, in Japanese, literally means “chain gutter”. It is an alternative to traditional downspouts found outside of houses. Rain chains have been used in Japan for hundreds of years. Its purpose is for aesthetics, as well as for practical reasons: catching rain water. It may be deemed as a decorative item, and rain chains are, with different styles and designs that are appealing and attractive. In essence, it transports rainwater downwards to a drain or a storage container, or even plants or nearby bushes. In addition, the rainwater collected is also used for the household for watering plants or for other household chores. Rain chains are also commonly found on temples.

Rain chains are typically either a series of cups, in different designs, mostly made out of copper and other various metals. They are linked together by chains, with a hold on the bottom of each cup. This allows rainwater to go drain through, traveling its way onto the vertical chains, and onto the next cup, until it eventually ends up in a barrel or over a bush or plant. The rainwater playfully dances and flows down the hand-crafted metal channels that make a pleasing tinkering sound.

They can be hung from the corners of the roof in order to direct the flow of water into large barrels. In its simplest form, rain chains do what downspouts do, except that rain chains are prettier, visually pleasing and delightful. They also create a sense of tranquility and peace. Over time, the copper chains develop a rich, bluish-green patina. Patina is a film that is usually a bluish-green color that is created by oxidation on the surface of the old bronze or copper metal and often esteemed as being of ornamental value.

Here are few examples of rain chains that are available on Garden Winds:

Bluebell Copper Rain Chain—handcrafted, available in smooth copper finish or antique blue verde; has 9 continuously flowing bluebell cups

Brass Lily Rain Chain—features a series of five, sculpted lilies; made of brass, and can be hung from the gutter

Buttercup Rain Chain—handcrafted, has 6 linked buttercups

Copper Link Rain Chain—available in single or double links

Umbrella Copper Three Cup Rain Chain—beautifully detailed umbrella design

Fish Copper Three Cup Rain Chain—for fish lovers, the fish have open mouths to catch water in, as if caught by a fishing line

Crocus Cup Rain Chain—cups are handcrafted like the crocus flower, with 6 copper cups connected by a copper finished linked chain

Pineapple Rain Chain—five, cute sculpted pineapple cups adorn this rain chain to catch raindrops

 If you enjoy the sights and sounds of raindrops falling, then you definitely need a rain chain to enhance your outdoor gazing! They never rust and will add a pleasant sight and sound to your outdoor landscape. Garden Winds has one that is right for you. Choose from the many different styles to complement your outdoor décor. Enjoy tradition and simplicity with a rain chain.