heian kyo (1)
TRANSCRIPT
Heian-kyo: The Heart of Japan’s Golden Age
A New Capital
• In 794 the emperor of Japan moved to a new capital called Heian-kyo.
• This started the period called the Heian-kyo period that lasted until 1185.
• This is also called the Golden Age because Japanese culture flourished.
GOLDEN AGE
• Beauty, elegance, and correct manners important
• New art and literature
• New sculptures, art, music, and drama
Social Position in the Heian Court
• The Heian period had different social ranks– Where you were
ranked depended on the family you came from.
– Nine main ranks made up the social system
What does your rank say about you?
• Rank determined the number of servants you could have.
• People of different ranks had a certain number of folds in their fans!
• Noble people wore fancy robes, certain colors
• Punishments for crimes were worse if you were of a lower rank!
Beauty and Fashion During the Heian Period
• Society prized beauty, elegance and fashion.• Men and women spent a lot of time on their
appearances – Men had pointed beards– Women had long hair
• Japanese believed white teeth to be ugly! They even dyed their teeth black.
Women in Japan• They wore a lot of
makeup– Used white powder to
look pale and lipstick– An aristocratic
women even wore 12 silk robes at a time!
– Women would pluck eyebrows and then paint them high on their foreheads!