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Monday 12 May 2008
Written by a gentlewoman of the Heian court, ostensibly for her own amusement, The Pillow Book is one of the great works of Japanese literature. It describes life amongst the noblity during one of the idyllilc periods of classical Japan, evoking the exquisite pleasures of a confined world in which poetry, love, fashion and whim dominates. Shonagon moves across a wide range of themes, including nature, society, and her own flirtations and frustrations.
Latest Programs
Friday 16 May 2008
Listen Now - 16052008 |
Sei Shonagon lists the things she finds 'undelightful', and explains the genesis of her book.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
Thursday 15 May 2008
Listen Now - 15052008 |
During the Heian period in Japan, nothing revealed a person's degree of sensibility more than the art of poetry. Poetic allusion was woven into every elegant conversation, and almost any occasion could be turned to the purposes of poetic composition. Wittily nuanced messages, generally containing a poem, flew constantly between members of the court, and required a suitable poem in response. Sei Shonagon excelled at the art of poetic exchange, and recorded with delight her poetic triumphs.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
Wednesday 14 May 2008
Listen Now - 14052008 |
Although Sei Shonagon appears to have had a husband, Noritaka, it seems ladies-in-waiting like her were free to take lovers among the courtiers. There was still an etiquette to this - a visiting gentleman was required to remain outside the lady's screen or curtain, through which she was only visible as a vague, tantalising shape. However, if he did happen to breech that barrier, the two effectively became lovers. Today, she coyly describes such an encounter.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Listen Now - 13052008 |
Sei Shonagon gives a witty and personal insight into court life, and the role in it of a gentlewoman such as herself.
For copyright reasons this reading is not available as a podcast.
Monday 12 May 2008
Listen Now - 12052008 |
Sei Shonagon spent her life in what is present-day Kyoto. In the year 993, in her late twenties, she entered the imperial court as a gentlewoman to the Empress Teishi, and stayed there until the Empress' death in childbirth seven years later.
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11.20pm AEST