Toko-no-ma (Decorative Alcove)

 In early times, it was merely called "Toko," "bed or a higher place" in Japanese. Toko-no-ma became an established architectural component in the Muromachi Period (1336 - 1573).

 Initially, it was devised as a seat for a person of higher class. A record says that Toyotomi Hideyoshi was such an arrogant person who didn't hesitate to move to this particular seat even in presence of other significant people. Only meant for warrior lords, the item was not built in ordinary people's houses. In later time, prominent merchant and farmer houses began to have one for a local feudal lord who would visit them. Hosts themselves never took the seat at Toko-no-ma, which was restricted to feudal lords.