takuto ohta reinterprets traditional torii gates through triadic wooden structure

Takuto Ohta Reenvisions Torii Gate with Bold Vermilion

Takuto Ohta‘s Convenience ‘God’ explores the intersection of form, spirituality, and materiality, drawing inspiration from Japanese Shinto and Buddhist traditions. The work centers around a reinterpretation of the traditional torii gate, often found at Shinto shrines. Ohta engages with the concept of the torii by crafting a version that can double as a stool with three pillars instead of the conventional two, symbolizing a departure from dualism and an exploration of alternative interpretations of sacred space.

The piece is characterized by its bold use of vermilion, a color historically used as a protective talisman in Shinto practices. Despite the artist’s personal ambivalence toward color, Ohta chose to paint the wooden structure in vermilion, reflecting a confrontation with his internal resistance to the use of color in his work. The torii’s vibrant color contrasts sharply with its surroundings, creating a striking presence that evokes both reverence and curiosity.

all images courtesy of Takuto Ohta

Convenience ‘God’ Explores the Fluidity of Sacred Forms

The designer reflects on the fluidity of the torii’s form and function, noting its adaptation in various contexts, from religious shrines to more mundane uses like roadside markers. This flexibility is embodied in the design of Convenience ‘God’, which is small and portable, allowing it to transcend location and recontextualize its significance wherever it is placed. The three entrances of the torii invite a sense of tension and contemplation, altering the perception of the space it inhabits.

In creating this object, Ohta intentionally avoids strict interpretations, favoring a more intuitive approach to the symbolism of the three-pillar torii. Although some interpretations link the triadic form to concepts like the Trinity, Ohta rejects such associations, seeking instead to maintain a sense of mystery and personal meaning in the work.

Takuto Ohta’s Convenience ‘God’ reinterprets the traditional torii gate, a symbol from Shinto shrines

The piece serves as both a commentary on and a reimagining of traditional spiritual objects, merging form, material, and personal reflection. Ohta’s work challenges viewers to engage with the sacred in unexpected ways, while also leaving room for interpretation and the unknown. The use of the vermilion torii, the play on conventional religious symbols, and the artist’s reflections on color and form culminate in a piece that blurs the boundaries between sacred and mundane, object and meaning.

the piece incorporates a triadic structure, symbolizing a departure from conventional dualism in sacred spaces

vermilion, traditionally a protective color in Shinto practices, is boldly used in the design

the vibrant vermilion contrasts with the surrounding environment, evoking reverence and curiosity

despite his ambivalence toward color, Ohta paints the wooden structure in vermilion

Convenience ‘God’ encourages personal reflection on the role of spiritual symbols

Ohta reexamines Japanese concepts of Shinto through the form of the traditional torii gate

project info:

name: Convenience ‘God’
designer: Takuto Ohta | @ohtatakuto

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom