Final answer:
The Ise Shrine is an example of how the Japanese 'reverence for the natural world informed religious practice and visual vocabulary' through its connection to Shintoism and the incorporation of nature into its design. The shrine is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu and is located in a forested area near the Isuzu River, emphasizing the connection between the shrine and nature. The shrine's visual vocabulary includes torii gates made of wood that blend with the natural environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ise Shrine is an example of how the Japanese "reverence for the natural world informed religious practice and visual vocabulary" through its connection to Shintoism and the incorporation of nature into its design. Shintoism is an indigenous religion of Japan that recognizes the existence of spirits known as kami, which can be found in natural elements such as plants, animals, and rocks.
The Ise Shrine, specifically the Ise Grand Shrine, is dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, one of the most important deities in Shintoism. The shrine is located in a forested area near the Isuzu River, which adds to its natural surroundings and reinforces the connection between the shrine and nature.
In terms of visual vocabulary, the Ise Shrine features the characteristic torii gates that mark the separation between the ordinary world and the sacred space of the shrine. These gates are often made of wood and blend seamlessly with the natural environment. The use of wood and other natural materials in the shrine's construction further reflects the Japanese reverence for the natural world.