The function of a torii is to mark the entrance to a sacred space. For this reason, the road leading to a Shinto shrine (sandō) … See more

The origins of the torii are unknown and there are several different theories on the subject, none of which has gained universal acceptance. Because the use of symbolic gates is widespread in Asia—such structures c… See more

• Torii may be unpainted or painted vermilion and black. The color black is limited to the kasagi and the nemaki (根巻, see illustration). Very rarely torii can be found also in other colors. Kamakura's Kamakura-gū for … See more

Structurally, the simplest is the shime torii or chūren torii (注連鳥居) (see illustration below). Probably one of the oldest types of torii, it consists of two posts with a sacred rope called shimenawa tied between them.
All other tor… See more

• Dvarapala, is a door or gate guardian often portrayed as a warrior or fearsome giant, usually armed with a weapon.
• Hongsalmun, in Korean architecture with both religious and other usage… See more