13.3 Heian Period Pgs. 352-355

Heian Period The Japanese government established its first capital at Nara in 710. Nara had broad streets, government offices, and large public squares. Later the capital was moved to Heian-kyo; current day Kyoto. The Heian period came after this move. It was a time of peace and security in Japan. Japan began to develop a culture separate of China.

Life at the Court Nobles followed the emperor to try and gain favor. This group of nobles is known as the imperial court. They served and advised the emperor. Life at the imperial court demanded strict rules of behavior. Etiquette or manners included proper actions and responses. A person on the court was to have composure and not show his emotions. If this wasn’t followed, you were not welcomed on the court.

Life at the Court Nobles loved beauty and elegance. Many nobles supported the arts. The court became the center of culture and learning. This period was the golden age of arts in Japan. The love of beauty began with clothes.

Life at the Court Women wore gowns of 12 layers covered in silk. As the wind blew, the various colors showed in shifting patterns. Both men and women wore makeup. They blackened their teeth because white teeth were considered ugly.

Life at the Court Nobles often carried decorative fans. The fans were painted with flowers, trees, and birds.

Language During the Heian period the Japanese nobles took care in how they spoke and wrote. Chinese was the official language of the court. Although the Japanese had a common language, they had no written language of their own During the Heian period the Japanese began developing their own writing system.

Literature Writing was very popular among noble women. Since the women were not trained in Chinese, they wrote in common Japanese. They wrote about life in the imperial court. Most of the literature that survived was written by women. One of the greatest writers in early Japan was Lady Murasaki Shikibu. She wrote The Tale of Genji, which is considered the world’s first true novel.

Literature This novel tells the story of Prince Genji, his life at court, and his countless loves. A modern edition of this novel fills over 4,000 pages. Poetry was also an important part of Japanese culture. To be accepted in Heian culture, a person had to write poetry. The popular type of Japanese poem is called a Haiku.

Literature Haiku’s have 17 syllables and a kigo. A kigo is a word that hints what season the poem takes place. The poet tries to develop a mood and a picture with his words.

Arts and Architecture Japanese art reflects Chinese art. However, the Japanese developed their own style over time. Japanese art was full of bright color. A second characteristic of Japanese art was the use of every day objects. Artists would paint fans, combs, boxes, baskets, and carved furniture.

Arts and Architecture The Japanese also liked to arrange flowers. Ikebana was a special art form that involved flower arranging. Colors and flower types were chosen carefully to match occasion and season. Chrysanthemums were used in the month of May. The emperor would inspect the flowers, and choose them for his seal.

Arts and Architecture The nobles worked to make their city beautiful. The admire Chinese architecture and modeled their city after the Chinese city Changan. To add beauty to these buildings the nobles would surround them elegant gardens and ponds.

Religion During the Heian period, religion was a part of every day life. The Japanese blended Shintoism with Buddhism. They worshiped at Shinto shrines for help in their daily lives. The worshiped at Buddhist temples to prepare for the afterlife. Religion shaped every aspect of Japanese life.

Government During the Heian period, Japan’s central government was strong. However, this would soon be challenged. Key posts in government landed in the hands of powerful families. One family the Fujiwara, had their daughters marry sons in the imperial family. Whenever an imperial heir was born to one of these daughters, the reigning emperor was forced to give us his throne.

Government A Fujiwara court official then ruled as regent for the infant emperor. A regent is a person who rules in place of a rightful ruler who is unable to fulfil his duties. As regents, the Fujiwara family controlled the Japanese government much of the time between 794-1185. They quickly became wealthy and powerful. They also brought corruption to the government.

Government By 1156 the country was engaged in a civil war. After almost 30 years of fighting, the power struggle ended with the rule of Japan shifting to military officials. Although the line of the imperial family continued, he didn’t have any power. This began the feudal age of Japan.

Discussion Questions What was the official language of the Japanese imperial court? What role did the Fujiwara family assume during the Heian period?

WB pg. 201