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 794-1185.

• 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 linesSyllables: 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 ShikibuThe 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.