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!

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