The Lights of the Leaves of Words: Sei Shonagon and the Sights of the Pillow Book (mid-Heian period)

The Lights of the Leaves of Words: Sei Shonagon and the Sights of the Pillow Book (mid-Heian period)

In the Heian period, when the nights were long and the moon silently illuminated the capital, a talented young woman served under Sadako, the middle palace of Emperor Ichijo. She was Sei Shonagon. She was a master of waka poetry, a connoisseur of Chinese poetry, and a brilliant wordsmith who left a dazzling imprint on the literature of the Heian period. The Pillow Book," written by her, is an essay that describes the beauty of nature, people's behavior, and life at court, wrapped in wit and tenderness.

The first part of the poem, "Spring is Dawn," begins with a gem of a poem that captures the interweaving of the seasons and time with all five senses. The first section includes "Utsukushikimono," an arrangement of lovely things; "Nattekimono" and "Nikkimono," which sharply examine the absurdity of the world; and "Koromine no Yuki," which describes a graceful exchange between Sei and Sadako. In each of the chapters, Sei Shonagon's clear gaze and sadness at the loss of things are evident.

The time was tumultuous, with Fujiwara no Michinaga's power growing and Sadako's family line declining. However, her words still shine brightly beyond the millennium and light a quiet lamp in the hearts of those who read them.