First Person

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.

Author: Sei Shonagon

Reader: Alison Bell

Production

Producer: Justine Sloane-Lees