rain chains

We were talking today at the office about rain chains, or kusari doi in japanese, and how they are a fantastic alternative to typical aluminum downspouts.  Originating in Japan, these chains hook up to your eavestroughs and allow the rain to drip, run, and cascade down the chain, terminating at either a pebble splash pad, catch basin or holding pot.  They are available in link and cup style, in various shapes and sizes, and are typically done in copper [so they patina nicely]. [Images from Rain Chain Canada, Door Sixteen and Ouna Design]