Japan’s Feudal Age
Feudal Society Emperor- Highest rank; NO political power Shogun- Actual Ruler Daimyo- Large land-owners Samurai- Warriors loyal to the daimyo Peasants- ¾ population Artisans- made swords and armor Merchants- Low status; WHY?
Bushido Samurai Code; “The way of the warrior” Emphasized honor, bravery, and absolute loyalty to one’s lord If the code was betrayed, a samurai would be forced to commit ritual suicide rather than live without honor
Order and Unity under the Tokugawas Ruled from Tried but failed to conquer Korea and China Centralized Feudalism- Imposed central gov. control on all Japan, but kept aspects of feudalism in place Orderly, unified society Economic growth- trade flourished.
Zen Buddhism Zen- emphasized meditation and devotion to duty Seemingly contradictory traditions: –Great scholars; valued “non-knowing” –Compassion for all; samurai fought & killed Believed people could reach enlightenment through performance of everyday tasks. Reverence for nature
Changing Artistic Traditions Theater –Kabuki Drama Portrayed family or historical events Dressed in colorful costumes; lively, exaggerated movements –Bunkaru- Puppet Plays Literature –Haiku- 3 lines, 17 syllables Painting & Printmaking –Influenced by Chinese landscape paintings –Woodblock Prints- Strong sense of pleasures of town life