The Torii reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Torii

Gateway to Shinto shrine with toriiEnlarge

Gateway to Shinto shrine with torii

Torii (鳥居) are traditional Japanese gates commonly found at the gateway to Shinto shrines. They have two upright supports and two crossbars on the top, and are most frequently painted red.

Similar structures can be found in Tai societies. Compare to: torana, in Hinduist and Buddhist architecture (India, Nepal)

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