Japanese Torii Low-poly 3D model

cgtrader

Torii gates are traditional Japanese gateways most commonly situated at the entrance or within a Shinto shrine, serving as a symbolic marker that distinguishes the transition from everyday life to sacred grounds. The presence of a torii at an entrance is often the simplest way to identify Shinto shrines, and small torii icons frequently represent them on Japanese road maps. The earliest recorded appearance of torii gates in Japan dates back to at least the mid-Heian period, with written references found as far back as 922. The oldest existing stone torii was constructed in the 12th century and is located within a Hachiman Shrine in Yamagata prefecture. A wooden torii, specifically a ryōbu torii, can be found at Kubō Hachiman Shrine in Yamanashi prefecture, built in 1535. Traditionally, torii gates were crafted from wood or stone; however, modern constructions may also utilize reinforced concrete, copper, stainless steel, or other materials. These gateways are usually either left unpainted or adorned with vermilion paint and a black upper lintel. Inari shrines frequently feature numerous torii due to the custom of donors contributing one in gratitude for their business success, often honoring Inari, the kami of fertility and industry. Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto boasts thousands of such torii gates, each bearing the name of its respective donor.