It is a 'rain chain', water flows down it, it takes the place of a gutter.

I was just kidding about the blimp.

I've seen rain chains before. I think they are a great architectural feature. I've never seen one end in the middle of a patio. Is there a drain at the connection? If yes, then this one is brilliant!!

It is said that Frank Lloyd Wright invented the rain chain. It is on a lot of his fifties houses.

Yet it becomes inconvenient in winter, it becomes an icicle!

As an icicle it can also become a sculpture.

But if there was a drain at the bottom end where the chain is secure, it would work brilliantly, even in winter.

I have seen these also in Evanston, IL, on Prairie style homes where they come down off a large overhanging shallow roof and are anchord in the grass, not on pavement.

It's a downspout for the gutters, instead of a long ugly piece of metal. It's asian, and it works excellent.

Yes, I am the home owner. We installed drains at each chain bottom.

Nice chain, it looks like you are in southern California!

San Carlos ;-) Norcal!