Rain chains, which are also known as “Kusari Doi” have been used by the Japanese for centuries. As we have mentioned previously on our website, rain chains are a unique, creative, and beautiful alternative to the downspout.
All our chains come in 8.5 feet lengths; but most of them can easily be joined with another chain for added length, for example, for use on a two-story or multi-level home. Pliars is all that is needed for the majority of our chains. To lengthen the double loop or the hammered cup, you would need to cut and solder. Our chains are all 100% copper and in time, a beautiful patina will form. Two of our copper blossom chains have a patina already….the copper blossom green patina and the copper blossom red patina for those of you who want the patina finish immediately.
Rain chains add so much dimension and charm to any garden setting, whether it is a very large garden, or a small porch garden. You can have your rain chains cascading into a flower bed, a terra cotta or copper receptacle or even into a rain barrel or whiskey barrel-type container. You can have the setting as primative or fancy as you desire. I put decorative rocks at the bottom of my chain to anchor it, plus it gives it a finished look.
Our different sizes and types of chains vary so as to fit different situations. The large copper pails, which are 4″ in diameter, as is the aged square cups, are a good, sturdy choice for a situation with heavy rainfall. Some of the smaller chains, such as the kusari or copper blossoms are a good choice in situations where there is not a lot of rain. One of our basins are a good fit for all of our chains. They give it a “complete” look.
Some of our customers have used rain chains in conjunction with pumps and/or fountains to create a lovely scenario in a garden or even inside the home. Some have even created a water wall in their home, using several of our chains with a trough-like container to collect the water. The Discovery Channel featured our chains in one their homes, where they had created a water wall. It was lovely!
Once a customer sees how much rain chains can add to their garden, they want to give them as gifts. With Fathers’ Day, weddings, anniversaries, and birthdays coming up this summer, what a great gift idea! This is where our gift certificates come in handy, allowing the recipient to choose their own rain chains.
Our rain chains have spawned much creativity in many of our customers. They have come up with wonderful, unique ways to use our chains and have been so willing to share their ideas with us.
Please watch for our future blogs, where we will pass on some of these wonderful, unique ideas to you.