Couple dressed in Heian Era Robes
Episode 30: Japan – The World of the Heian
Foundations of Eastern Civilization
Dr Craig Benjamin (2013)
Film Review
During the Heian period (978-1038 AD), regents from the powerful Fujiwar ran the royal court in Heian, while the king served as a figurehead and power shifted to the countryside. In essence political power was privatized, with Shogun nobles ruling the provinces assisted by Samurai warriors. As royal military conscription ceased, Shogun hired their own private armies.
Legally, however, all land still belonged belonged to the emperor, who could allocate it to Shogun nobles, farmers and Buddhist temples.
Four levels of officials claimed taxes from allocated lands:
- Patrons (Shogun)
- Imperial officials (who could bequeath their positions to their heirs).
- Managers employed by Shogan
- Farmers
During the Heian period, Japanese lived luxurious lives, wearing elegant clothing consisting of up to 12 layers. They spent their leisure time writing poetry, mixing perfumes and perfecting their calligraphy. Precisely landscaped Japanese gardens were incorporated into spiritual practice, which are also reflected in Heian art.
Women (who weren’t taught Chinese) wrote fiction in the local vernacular using Chinese characters, while men wrote in Chinese. Japanese script, initially adapted from Chinese characters, first began to appear during the Heian period. The most famous Heian novel was the Tale of Genji by the noblewoman and lady-in-waiting Murasaki Shikibu.
Tendai Buddhism, which taught that everyone can achieve enlightenment via meditation, and the more mystical Shengen Buddhism evolved during this period. Both split into smaller competing sects, with many recruiting their own private militias and standing armies. Some sects terrorized Shogun and farmers in their efforts to seize more land.
Ongoing conflict between the two most powerful Shogun families (Taira and Minamota) erupted into full blown civil war between 1028-1087 AD. The Minamota ultimately prevailed, ending the flourishing Heian culture.
The Minamota eventually seized control of the imperial court, which they moved to a new capitol Kamakura.
Film can be viewed free with a library card on Kanopy.
The Most Revolutionary Act 