Day 11 Photographs
Japanese aesthetics have been shaped by Shinto's devotion to nature.
As noted in my previous post, Japan is a graphic culture filled with the imagery of organic shapes and natural references. This graphic imagery makes sense since the Japanese culture is in harmony with nature. It could also be a result of Japan's Shinto religion where references were abundant at Fushimi Inari. At this temple, we saw the imagery of Shinto Gods, or Kara in the manifestations of fox and lion imagery. These Kara were common throughout the Tori and the cemetery.
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| One of the many fox images at Fushimi Inari. |
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| Fox Kara fountain at Fushimi Inari. |
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Lion Kara fountain at Fushimi Inari.
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Japanese religious imagery can be very specific
since theirs is a homogenous culture with little need to modify messages or graphics for outsiders. The Japanese share a long history and as a result, most people are familiar with the cultural and religious references. It makes sense that the foxes and lions are located in Tori because of the forested
terrain where Shinto Gods are thought to be present: mountains, trees and waterfalls. |
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| The Tori at Fushimi Inari are located in a forested area. Home to Shinto Gods. |
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