The Pillow Book - Sei Shonagon

Sei Shonagon served as lady-in-waiting to Empress Sadako. Her Makura no Soshi, or Pillow Book, is a collection of anecdotes, musings, and events that Sei Shonagon recorded during her time in the 10th century Heian Court. Sei Shonagon was a familiar rival with Murasaki Shikibu, author of The Tale of Genji, and servant to the Emperor's second consort. Little is known about her outside her writings, and she is removed from history the moment she leaves the court and ends her journal. Her work is valuable as a historical reference, but also as a piece of literature, due to the skill with which Sei Shonagon writes, and the attention she pays to Japanese aesthetics and form.

"A good lover will behave as elegantly at dawn as at any other time. He drags himself out of bed with a look of dismay on his face. The lady urges him on: 'Come, my friend, it's getting light. You don't want anyone to find you here.' He gives a deep sigh, as if to say that the night has not been nearly long enough and that it is agony to leave. Once up, he does not instantly pull on his trousers. Instead he comes close to the lady and whispers whatever was left unsaid during the night. Even when he is dressed, he still lingers, vaguely pretending to be fastening his sash...

"Indeed, one's attachment to a man depends largely on the elegance of his leave-taking. When he jumps out of bed, scurries about the room, tightly fastens his trouser-sash, rolls up the sleeves of his Court cloak, over-robe, or hunting costume, stuffs his belongings into the breast of his robe, and then briskly secures the outer sash--one really begins to hate him."

It is in Sei Shonagon's writing that one begins to realize the importance of propriety, etiquette, and ritual to the Japanese people. A good performance shows an appreciation for the audience; a hurried, tactless action implies lack of care. Sei Shonagon emphasizes beauty in appearance and comportment; her most pleasant moments are spent watching the moon, snow, and elegantly clothed people in the court.

The above image is a drawing of Sei Shonagon by Kikuchi Yosai.