Warm-up #5 What were some forms of Japanese art? Where was the center of learning and culture during Japan’s golden age?

Heian and Japan’s golden age What cultural practices and advancements defined life in Heian?

I. Golden Age in Heian The court (nobles living near and serving the emperor), lived in the walled off capital, Heian, during the golden age of Nobles lived so separate from common people that they were referred to as “dwellers among the clouds.” – Had different ranks in court. Rank determined privilege and customs (color, number of folds in fans etc...) – Nobles loved the arts and Heian became the center of art and learning.

II. Court Life The main idea was miyabi, appreciating the small things in life for their beauty. (ex: flowers) Those in the court (the rich) were expected to be calm, respectful and beautiful at all times. silk robes and gold jewelry. Elaborate outfits like long gowns with 12 layers of colored silk. Fans with paintings of nature

Basically Japan was a typical middle schooler! They want to be just like everyone else but still be unique.

III. Literature

A. Diaries were popular with men and women The Tale of Genji – The world’s first novel. – Written around 1,000 A.D. by Lady Murasaki. (a woman!) – A long romantic story about the life of a prince and his court

B. Pillow Book 1. Sei Shonagon (empress from 991 to 1000). 2. it was her journal…a collection of short stories, character sketches, conversations, and description of art and nature

c. Haiku Always has 3 lines Syllables: five, seven, five Deep meaning, few words. That was a haiku! A Japanese form of poetry.

Warm-up #6 Why did Heian become a center of culture? What is an imperial court? Where did it move in the late 700s? Bonus: What was the main reason that most early Japanese literature was written by women?

IV. Visual Arts Painting – bold bright color, nature (landscape) were popular subjects. Scroll painting illistrated stories. Calligraphy – decorative writing. Architecture – modeled after Chinese capital, wooden frames curved upwards, unpainted, thatched roofs. Homes simple and airy, surrounded by gardens.

V. Performing Arts Birth of Japanese dramas were fun and wild (included Musicians, jugglers, acrobats). Later NOH – serious dramas created in 1300s with music, speaking, and dance. Tell history of Japan’s heroes.

VI. Fall of Heian Ended for three reasons – Wealthy owners of large estates paid no taxes, which weakened the imperial government. – Law enforcement broke down, and bandits roamed the land. – Struggles over land and power led to civil war and the rise of new military leaders.

Lady Murasaki Shikibu The Tale of Genji Read page 209 – Share  what observations about female ideas of beauty can you gather from her observations? – Why was she important?

Tale of Genji excerpt Read the excerpt on pages 210 and 211. Answer the three questions on page 211 using complete sentences.