Society & Politics
How was rank in society determined in Heian Japan?
By birth or family rank in society.
What were the two main art forms during the Heian Period?
Sculpture and Painting
Describe one form of Japanese entertainment.
Kemari (kickball game), Rango (several stones), Bugaku (dance performance), Festival of the Snake (celebrations), Sumo wrestling (sports), horse races (entertainment), archery contests (bow and arrows).
Name a form of Japanese poetry that is still practiced today.
Haiku and Tonka
True or false: The Tale of Genji was written by Minamori Yoritomo.
False: The author's name was called Lady Murasaki.
What were the two reasons why Emperor Kammu wanted a new capital?
To reduce Buddhist priests' power over the government & because he wanted a larger, grander city for his capital.
What was considered the world’s first novel?
Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (aka Lady Murasaki)
Name one form of entertainment that men enjoyed during the Heian period.
Horse races, archery contests, and sumo wrestling.
If a tourist wanted to visit temples or landmarks from the Heian-kyo period, what modern city would they travel to?
Kyoto
The Heian period took place during which centuries (or years)?
8th and 12th centuries (700s to 1100s)
Describe any features that would be seen in the city of Heian-kyo.
Checkerboard pattern layout, walled city, tree-lined streets, forested hills, streams, waterfalls, lakes, shrines and temples.
How did Heian sculptures change over the years?
Initially, sculptors used one piece of wood. Later, they combined separate pieces of wood.
Aristocrat woman wore clothing made of what material?
They wore layered, colorful robes made of silk.
Name 2 items or features you would find in a Japanese mansion.
Large rooms divided by screens or curtains, open-air hallways, wood floors, gardens, artificial lakes, stone walls.
What is a courtier?
a male member of a ruler's court.
What is one way the Fujiwara Family maintained power for 3 centuries?
1) Married their daughters into the royal family.
2) Made sure that sons of Fujiwara royal wives were chosen to be emperors.
3) Acted as advisers to the emperor, which gave them more power than the rulers they guided.
Where were Japanese paintings often displayed?
List 2 examples of feminine beauty standards.
Long hair, blackened teeth, pale face powder, red lips, painted eyebrows, silk robes.
What geographical land features contributed to the natural beauty of Heian-kyo?
True or False: The Fujiwara family rose to power after a series of civil wars that occurred in the late 12th century.
False: The Fujiwara family were aristocrats who rose to power by advising the emperor and marrying their daughters into the royal family.
Which factors contributed to the end of the Heian period?
1) Wealth landowners did not pay taxes.
2) Government law enforcement became too weak.
3) Attacks from bandits in the countryside.
4) Civil war and new military leaders (Minamoto Yoritomo).
What did most of the leading writers in Japan have in common?
They were women (Tale of Genji by Lady Murasaki and Pillow Book by Sei Shonagon), kept diaries, wrote calligraphy, created poetry and artwork.
What character traits were valued in Heian culture and society?
Heian society valued generosity and honesty, elegance, and sensitivity to beauty in nature, poetry, and art.
Name the style of Japanese performance or theatre that is still a popular form of entertainment in Japan.
Bugaku performances, or Noh theatre.
Describe the traits of an aristocrat during the Heian period.
Aristocrats were wealthy families who gained power, land, and influence over Japanese culture (beauty, fashion, entertainment, literature).