1. “Peace and Tranquility” (794-1185)

2.  This period was named after modern Kyoto  Confucianism and Chinese influences  Peak of Japanese imperial court; art, poetry, and literature  50 th emperor, Emperor Kammu

3.  If you were beautiful you were considered a “good” person  Other virtues were of little or no importance  Men were considered beautiful if they had a short, pointed beard

4.  Women were considered beautiful if their face was powdered white, cheeks were lightly colored in red, a small, red mouth and high eyebrows in the middle of the forehead were painted on, and your hair was long, black, and shiny  Both genders blackened their teeth with a vinegar and herbs mixture

6.  Mirasaki Shikibu may not have been her real name  Speculated to be Fujiwara Takako  Referred to as “Lady Murasaki”

7.  Murasaki was born into a family of minor nobility in 973 in Kyoto, Japan  Mother died when she was a child  Murasaki and her brother were raised by their father, Fuiwara no Tametoki

8.  Murasaki’s father wished she were a boy  Raised her with a male education  She was taught kanji and classical Chinese literature vs. kana and poetry

9.  Married in her 20’s  Her daughter, Daini no Sanmi, was born in 999  Her husband passed away in 1001 A.D.

10.  After her husband died, Murasaki went to court and was a lady in waiting for Emperor Ichijo  When he died, she was the lady in waiting for Empress Akiko (A lady in waiting is a personal servant to the one they serve, duties vary from court to court)  It is thought that Murasaki’s famous works were written at court

11.  Murasaki’s most famous work includes:  The Tale of Genji (1001-1008)  The Murasaki Shikibu Diary  The Murasaki Shikibu Collection (which was a compilation of 128 poems)

12.  Murasaki died in 1014 in her mid 50’s  However, her works live on and The Tale of Genji is used as curriculum throughout Japan