The "deer chaser" is a traditional Japanese water feature, also known as "shishi odoshi, " which is designed to scare away deer and other animals from gardens or fields. The mechanism works by using the weight of water to create a sound and motion that startles the animals and keeps them from eating or damaging plants.
The typical design of a deer chaser consists of a bamboo spout that fills with water from a nearby source, such as a stream or pond. Once the spout fills with water, it tips over, dumping the water out and hitting a rock or bamboo stick below it, creating a loud clacking sound. This sound and movement are meant to mimic the sound of a predator, scaring the animals away and preventing them from returning.
Deer chasers are often used in traditional Japanese gardens, where they add both visual interest and functional benefits. The sound of the water and the clacking of the bamboo create a soothing atmosphere, while also serving the practical purpose of keeping animals away from delicate plants.
Keywords
rock
pond
motion
weight
fields
stream
movement
predator
damaging
mechanism
deer chaser
bamboo stick
bamboo spout
nearby source
shishi odoshi
other animals
typical design
delicate plants
visual interest
practical purpose
soothing atmosphere
functional benefits
loud clacking sound
traditional Japanese gardens
traditional Japanese water feature
