Japan Shinto Shrine Gate - Small Wood Model Torii Tori

Description

Those who have visited Shinto (native religion of Japan) shrines in Japan may recall passing beneath one or more large gates (mon) at the entrance to the shrine complex. These distinctive structures are called torii in Japanese and are thought to mark the boundary between the secular world and the sanctified grounds of the shrine. In passing beneath a torii one is, in fact, making his or her initial approach towards the inner sanctuary, and accordingly many Japanese will first bow before stepping under the gate. Shinto shrines may include multiple gates, and paths within the shrine may be lined with dozens of closely set torii which together create the effect of a long, enclosed corridor. Believers may use their walk through such passages as an aid in helping to clear their mind of worldly distractions and in preparation for making an appearance before the enshrined deity. Torii gates are traditionally made of wood though it is not uncommon to see gates made of metal, concrete, stone or other durable material. Many wooden torii are unpainted and over time will take on a beautiful weathered appearance much in keeping with the shrine's natural-looking landscape. Torii are often produced using local timber and therefore shrines which are located in high mountain forests may feature torii constructed simply from a few rough cut conifers. Such torii blend in nicely with the surrounding forest and are emblematic of the Japanese love of nature. Though the torii has become a symbol of Japan as a country it is nevertheless a very unique and important part of the Shinto religious tradition.

About the Listed Item

Vintage small size model Shinto torii wooden shrine gate. This gate is less than 40 years old and in good condition though some of the pieces are loose and may come off when the gate is handled. The pieces may then easily be simply fitted into position again. The gate has marks and scratches from handling and wears a darkened patina of age. This torii is suitable for use with small kamidana god shelves or in any setting where one might wish to impart the spirit and essence of Japan.

Size:
Height: 3.8 inches (9.7 centimeters)
Width (at top): 4.2 inches (10.7 centimeters)
Width (at base): 3.1 inches (8.0 centimeters)
Weight: 1.1 ounces (32 grams)

More about the Shinto religion

Shinto is one of the two major religions of Japan (the other is Buddhism). Shinto is often considered to be the native religion of Japan, and is as old as Japan itself. The name Shinto means "the way of the gods." Shinto is a pantheistic religion, in which many thousands of major and minor gods are thought to exist. The Japanese have built thousands of shrines (jinja) throughout the country to honor and worship these gods. Some shrines are huge and are devoted to important deities. Other shrines are small and may be easily missed when strolling along roads in the countryside.

Shinto gods are called kami. Kami are thought to have influence on human affairs, and for this reason many Japanese make regular pilgrimage to community shrines in order to offer prayers to local kami. The act of prayer involves approaching the shrine structure, passing through the gate-like torii, cleansing the hands and mouth with water and possibly ascending stairs to the main entrance of the shrine. Usually without entering the shrine the worshipper will throw some coins into a stone or wooden collection box and then rattle the suzu bell which is at the top of a long hemp rope. The worshiper grabs hold of the rope and shakes it back and forth causing the copper bell at the top to rattle. This is thought to get the attention of the shrine god. The worshipper then bows twice, claps his or her hands twice and then bows again. In addition, the worshipper may clasp their hands together in silent prayer. Shintoism and Buddhism have managed to find a comfortable coexistence in Japan. Evidence of this harmonious relationship is found in the fact that that most Japanese are married in a Shinto shrine, but buried by a Buddhist priest.

item code: R1S5-0005582
category code: (toriimon)
ship code: L1650

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Japan
• Shinto
• Shrine
• Gate
• Small
• Wood
• Model
• Torii
• Tori
• Tokaido
• Softypapa

[DaniMart2005]

Might I consider you attempt Divination with this? All the pieces are placed in a bag or box, then spilled onto the floor or a table, and depending on the spiritual meanings of each peice, the direction and side each piece is arranged, and the overall design of the layout of the peices, you would Devine the relationship between the 2 worlds the Gate currently occupies.....the overall message would be such things as wether passage is granted or not, luck or not luck, Kami type, and so forth...

[coltinconrad]

hey that is a puzzle the peice that falls out of the bottow is called a puzzle key i bet i cuold salve it

[OkamiKage08]

Where did you get this, ive been looking for one to add to my temple collection for ages

[roxanneworld11]

@earynraevynclaw: lol!, seems so!

[earynraevynclaw]

It IS a puzzle :) I bought one EXACTLY like it when I was in Japan (Miyajima) ;)

[photoartist3d]

Of course it fits together in that manner. The construction of Japan uses joint fitted, no nail systems traditionally. The items are designed to be able to survive and stay standing in an active earthquake environment.

[VengeanceIV]

somewhat awkward that "kami" means god as well as paper in japanese lol. paper god? lol ^_^

[HappyBuddha100]

DUDE!!! NEED HELP HOW TO BUILD ONE???

[HappyBuddha100]

dude please explain how to make one

[HappyBuddha100]

how to make one?