The Heian Period Unit 2

The Heian period

9 - 12 centuries

Lineage-based power remained

The capital

Moved from Nara to Heian

was moved in the 790s

moved because the heir to the throne's family roots were closer to Heian

Nara was too close to Buddhist temples so it was moved to separate Buddhism from politics

Heian stayed the capital from 790 - 1870

Strong early emperors

9th century

Remain strong rulers

Very hands on administrative power

The model of Chinese government starts to weaken

A return of elite clans emerge and rival the emperors for power

Yamato is still recognized as the imperial family but they were rivaled

Fujiwara no Michinaga

9 - 11 centuries

Most powerful aristocratic clan at the time

Exerts influence over the imperial court

Marriage politics

Ruled as regent, or has the emperor marry into his family

Not replacing the emperors but using their powers to exert influence over them

Rivalry and Conflict

11 - 12 centuries

Factions that back the imperial court and factions that back powerful clans

Causes open warfare

Rise of the samurai class which fights for the factions

Shoen states

Deterioration of the equal field system

land that is not under the control of centralized political authority

Is owned by powerful elites

The ability to derive tax revenue from the lands

Sometimes the courts give elites to the equal field system to gain their political support

The elites don't reside in their lands

Local management is done by local warrior clans

Privatization of land, wealth and power

Courtly Refinement

The emperor and empress' cultural influence is very powerful

People constantly want to be close to the court

Ideals of beauty

Develop connections by their calligraphy and poetry

Very abstract

Elite Marriage

People are married because the parents want a family alliance

Political and economical arrangements

Extramarital affairs were very common and not frowned upon

Literature

Mostly written by aristocratic women because the majority of their lives are spent in their houses

Simplified Chinese script to only show the sound of the Japanese language which is known as Onnade

Men wanted to use the feminine way of writing so they used a fake name to write under

Murasaki Shikibu

The tale of Genji

Follows the life of Prince Genji about his relationships, friends and positions in government

Inside look into aristocratic culture

Most significant piece of Japanese literature history

Mono no aware - Sensitivity to the small aspects in life

Sei Shonagon

The pillow book

Collection of daily debriefs that serve as a glimpse into imperial life

Shows sensitivity to the small aspects in life