| Transcript |
- Shinto shrines are approached from the south, generally along winding pathways through dense groves of trees. The paths are marked by stone lanterns and pillared archways, called torii which signify hallowed ground. The torii�made of wood, stone or bronze�are simply constructed of two upright pillars and one or two straight or curved crossbeams. It is thought that they originally served as perches for the sacred roosters (symbolizing courage) found at shrines in ancient Japan. Essential to the Shinto shrine, the torii"s simple and graceful proportions embody Shinto values, while its refined and noble appearance has made it a fitting emblem of Japan.
At the approach to a Shinto shrine one often finds a pair of stone lion-dogs called koma-inu (meaning Korean dog), which serve as protection and decora�tion. These guardian beasts are distinguished from one another by their open and closed mouths. Originating from China, where such figures were placed at the entrance to tombs, palaces and temples as symbolic guardians, they may even be traced further back to Indian iconography.
Near the shrine is an ablution basin (chozuya) at which devotees wash their hands to symbolically purify themselves before prayer.
(left)
Sacred Mirror and Stand
bronze, wood
Meiji-Taisho period,
late 19th/early 20th century
ht. 36.2 cm
Gift of Jeffery Cline
AGGV
(right)
Sacred Mirror and Stand
bronze, wood
Meiji-Taisho period,
late 19th/early 20th century
ht. 39.6 cm
Gift of Jeffery Cline
AGGV
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