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Shrine Torii Gate Architecture

Type Object Region Japan Time c. 1190–1200

Torii gates at Japanese shrine entrances in the late twelfth century, formed of two pillars and an upper lintel marking sacred space, show formal evo…

Timeline

  1. c. 1168–1195Offshore torii of Itsukushima Shrine · HatsukaichiUnder Taira no Kiyomori's patronage the vermilion offshore torii of Itsukushima Shrine became an emblem of Shinto architecture, approachable at low tide and floating on the sea at high tide, reinforcing the visual separation of the 'sacred domain' from secular space.
  2. c. 1192–1200Kasuga Taisha · NaraAround the founding of the Kamakura shogunate, shrines across the country added or renovated torii; stone torii at Kasuga Taisha and wooden Myojin-style torii were used side by side, reflecting regional differences in torii materials and proportions at the end of the twelfth century.

Sources