The World of the Shining Prince by Ivan Morris

This uneventful and empty lifestyle might’ve been why the aristocrats spent so much time immersed in hobbies like art, aesthetic and literature. (Ivan Morris, Court life in Ancient Japan p. The only real “work” they had to do was to arrange and engage in ritual ceremonies around four times a month. The nobles of ancient Japan lived a life of leisure and luxury. “For women in particular, these visits provided an occasional escape from the claustrophobic confines of their crepuscular and an opportunity to glimpse, if only through the heavy silk hangings of their ox- drawn carriages, the wide bright world outside” 19 ( Morris Ivan, The World of the Shining Prince, p. They strived to live after intellectual and philosophical principles of buddhism and went on pilgrimages to visit temples throughout Japan. The Buddhist religion could provide a sense of meaning to these noble women’s (otherwise dull) lives. Actually, a surprising number of women were literate among Japan’s nobility compared to Europe during this time. The buddhist philosophy inspired art and literature, not only among men but also women. Buddhism wasn’t a dogmatic religion like Christianity, it was more philosophical – a lifestyle or a mental state.

Principles like family solidarity, honour and respect for your ancestors was imperative among the nobility. Now, during the Heian period (794 AD – 1185), Chinese buddhism became all the rage. Following this, Japan began to admire and idolise Chinese culture – a tradition that would intensify during the Heian period. To provide some context for Japan’s medieval period: Previous to 604 BC, Japan basically lived in complete isolation from the outside world until prince Shōtoku declared Japan should remodel their country after China’s mode of government. Murasaki Shikibu, pioneering female novelist. What about the medieval ages? Japan’s so-called “Heian period” (794-1185) saw absurd beauty ideals and social norms among the nobility and the emergence of cultural traditions and customs that still defines Japanese society today. But the formation and development of Japan’s culture, language and artistic and literary achievements goes a lot further back in time.

When people talk about old-age Japan, they tend to focus on the folkloric pop culture legends like samurais warriors and ninjas.

The World of the Shining Prince by Ivan Morris