Court dress of Military Official in the Heian Period, Japan.
Court dress of Military Official
by Annie Shepley Omori
The figure shows the zui, or ornament of the head-strap holding the head-dress in place; also the method of rolling up the gauze flap of the head-dress.
Tucked into the red state coat appear a half-spread fan and some folded sheets of paper, and at the back is seen a quiver made of lacquered wood. Underneath the red coat the hakama is shown.
The shoes are of Chinese pattern.
From Kokushi Daijiten, by kind permission of Mr. H. Yoshikawa.
Source: Diaries of court ladies of old Japan by Annie Shepley Omori (1856 – 1943), tr; Doi, Kochi. Boston Houghton Mifflin, 1920.
The Heian Period (Japanese 平安時代, Heian-jidai), spanning from 794 to 1185, is a significant era in Japanese history known for its cultural blossoming and political developments. Named after the capital city of Heian-kyo (now Kyoto), this period marked a transition from the earlier Nara Period and laid the foundations for a distinct Japanese identity.
Beginning in 794, the Heian Period saw the establishment of a court culture that emphasized literature, the fine arts, and philosophy. One of the most notable events during this time was the introduction of the kana syllabary, which allowed for the creation of more sophisticated poetry and prose. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu, emerged as one of the world’s first novels, showcasing the depth of Heian literature.
As the period progressed, Japan witnessed growing tensions between the imperial court and the powerful noble families, such as the Fujiwara clan. By the late Heian Period, the decline of central authority led to the rise of the samurai class and feudalism. This shift laid the groundwork for the subsequent Kamakura Period.
The Heian Period thus represents a complex tapestry of art, literature, and political changes, marking the transition from classical to medieval Japan.
