Architects and home owners often detest downspouts; they are too functinal and ugly. I agree and usually place them inconspicuous locations.

But I also know that there is a much better alternative: a rain chain.

Rain chains are decorative chains installed at the nose of roofs or eaves in Japanese traditional architecture.  Through them, rainwater tricles down gracefully.  It was started to be used for Sukiya style architecture around 16th or 17th century. Horizontal gutters were in bamboo back then.

The point was to enjoy the flow of water, not to simply dispose it. You enjoy water by seeing it and listening to it.

And now, you can have the same pleasure in modern houses and in any part of the world! Japanese manufacturers produce rain chains not only in traditional cup styles but also in simpler chain forms. I used one in a simple circular form for a home in Connecticut. It looks beautiful and calm.

With the rain chain at your home, you may look forward to a rain day. You sit down with a cup of tea to look at rain water slowly dancing down. Dreamy, is it not? (Y)