The Pillow Book (Makura no Soshi)

Sei Shonagon · c. 1001

Overview

A book of essays by Sei Shonagon, who served Empress Teishi. Its roughly 300 sections fall into lists of things ("Mountains:", "Dispiriting things"), diary-like passages about events at Teishi's court, and reflections on nature and life. With sharp observation and short, crisp sentences, she records whatever she found okashi: delightful, charming, interesting.

Background

In the reign of Emperor Ichijo, two empresses stood side by side at court: Teishi, daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka, and Shoshi, daughter of Michinaga. Teishi's court, where Sei Shonagon served, was known for its bright, intellectual atmosphere, but after Michitaka died, her brother Korechika fell from power, and Teishi died in childbirth in 1000. The Pillow Book centers on the days when Teishi shone, and says almost nothing about the family's fall.

Highlights

  1. In spring, the dawnThe opening, which declares the best time of each season. Her sharp senses packed into a single section.Read “In Spring, the Dawn” →
  2. The snow of Xianglu PeakAnswering Teishi's question, she raises the blind high, drawing on a line by Bai Juyi. An intellectual game between mistress and attendant.Read “In Spring, the Dawn” →
  3. The Inari pilgrimageWhile she pants up the slope, a nimble woman breezes past her. Honest, she makes no secret of her envy.Read “Enviable Things” →
  4. A retreat at the templeShe watches with amusement the bustle of Kiyomizu Temple at New Year and the people gathered there.Read “A New Year's Retreat at a Temple” →