Rain Chain Images

Rain Chain as Part of a Children's Garden: A whimsical rain chain designed with colorful, oversized flower-shaped elements, located in a children's discovery garden. The rain chain is part of an interactive water play area where children can learn about the water cycle. The garden is filled with playful, educational features like butterfly-attracting plants, a sensory path, and a small frog pond.

A rain chain is a decorative alternative to a traditional downspout, typically made from metal links, cups, or tubes that are connected vertically to carry rainwater from the roof gutters down to the ground.

Artistic Rain Chain in a Bohemian Garden Setting: An artistically crafted rain chain made of recycled glass and colorful ceramic pieces, hanging from a bohemian-style garden gazebo. The garden is vibrant and eclectic, filled with hanging plants, upcycled garden art, and a mosaic pathway. The rain chain is a focal point, reflecting the sunlight and casting colorful patterns on the ground.

The function of a rain chain is the same as a regular downspout - to direct the flow of water coming from the roof gutters away from the house foundation. However, rather than channeling the water through an enclosed pipe like a typical downspout, a rain chain allows the water to flow openly down through the chain links and cups in a more visually appealing cascade effect.

Rain Chain in a Traditional Japanese Garden: A beautiful copper rain chain hanging from the eaves of a traditional Japanese tea house. The scene is set in spring, with cherry blossoms gently falling around. The rain chain is elegantly guiding rainwater into a small, stone-lined pond below, where a few koi fish are swimming. The background shows a meticulously maintained Japanese garden, complete with a stone lantern and a gracefully arched bridge over a small stream.

As water flows from the gutters and moves down the rain chain, the chain helps slow, divide, and aerate the stream of water to prevent heavy volumes all at once. This can also allow some water to evaporate in the process. The links disperse and catch the water, reducing splash erosion or soil displacement compared to water flowing directly from a pipe.

Rain Chain in an Urban Patio Garden: A stylish copper rain chain installed in a small, urban patio garden on a high-rise apartment balcony. The rain chain complements the modern patio decor, which includes potted plants, a small seating area, and vertical gardens. The background showcases a cityscape view, creating a juxtaposition between the natural elements of the rain chain and the urban environment.

In addition to managing roof runoff in a more decorative, tranquil manner, rain chains have environmental benefits. They oxygenate the water naturally and avoid drainage issues associated with clogged enclosed downspouts. Overall though, their primary purpose remains functional drainage with an emphasis on aesthetic curb appeal.

Rain Chain in a Rustic Mountain Cabin Setting: An old, rustic iron rain chain hanging from the gutter of a charming mountain cabin, surrounded by a dense pine forest. The rain chain leads to an old wooden barrel used for collecting rainwater. The scene is serene, with a light snowfall adding a magical touch to the landscape, and a gentle stream flowing nearby.

Over the past several years the kusari doi or rain chain, has been taking the outdoor garden and patio market by storm. These uniquely crafted chains are quickly becoming a garden staple in homes all over the United States.

These artistically crafted links of copper that allow rain to be enjoyed as it gently flows down and around the chain like a vertical fountain effect while stimulating the senses with sounds of gurgling water. These functional chains do exactly what downspouts do, but they do it in a way that brings pleasure and delight.

The rain chain first originated in Japan hundreds of years ago and was developed primarily out of need. These beautiful ornaments serve a more practical use very similar to our common downspout. The rain chain was created as a style of downspout to guide rainwater into large pots for garden and household purposes. As the fresh water collected; it was used to wash clothes, dishes, and to cook. Even today, these decorative rain chains are found on homes, temples and business throughout Japan for not only their function and visual gratification but also their "feng shui" appeal.

Rain chains are normally crafted of copper, including the actual links and the hardware, providing for durability and simple assembly. Copper is the most popular material for fabrication due to its initial visual appeal and the beautiful way in which it ages into a verdigris patina. Among popular chain styles is the kiku chain, inspired by the chrysanthemum flower. This has special importance in the Japanese garden for it is the official crest and symbol of the Japanese imperial family. There is also a scalloped square chain which has a box-like shape featuring scalloped tops and bottoms, and different styles of interlocking chains.

Rain chains can be easily installed by insertion into the rain gutter drain hole or on a corner eave of the home. Links connect and disconnect with ease to fit any length required. The means to recreate the serenity found in Japanese gardens is ready and available for the American home.