, also known as Sadako, was an empress consort of the Japanese
Emperor Ichijō
was the 66th emperor of Japan, Imperial Household Agency (''Kunaichō'') 一条天皇 (66)/ref> according to the traditional order of succession.
Ichijō's reign spanned the years from 986 to 1011.
Biography
Before he ascended to the Chrysanth ...
. She appears in the literary classic ''
The Pillow Book
is a book of observations and musings recorded by Sei Shōnagon during her time as court lady to Empress Consort Teishi during the 990s and early 1000s in Heian-period Japan. The book was completed in the year 1002.
The work is a collection of ...
'' written by her court lady
Sei Shōnagon
was a Japanese author, poet, and a court lady who served the Empress Teishi (Sadako) around the year 1000 during the middle Heian period. She is the author of .
Name
Sei Shōnagon's actual given name is not known. It was the custom among arist ...
.
Life
She was the first daughter of
Fujiwara no Michitaka
, the first son of Kaneie, was a ''Kugyō'' (Japanese noble) of the Heian period. He served as regent ('' Sesshō'') for the Emperor Ichijō, and later as '' Kampaku''. Ichijō married Michitaka's daughter Teishi (Sadako), thus continuing the cl ...
(藤原道隆). She was arranged to marry the Emperor upon the ceremony of his age of majority. She was given the title of Empress, her father was formally appointed regent to the Emperor, and her sister was later married to the Emperor's cousin and Crown Prince.
Empress consort of Japan
She became the second consort, with the title Chugu, to Emperor Konone.
Empress Teishi hosted a literary and cultural court, and
Sei Shōnagon
was a Japanese author, poet, and a court lady who served the Empress Teishi (Sadako) around the year 1000 during the middle Heian period. She is the author of .
Name
Sei Shōnagon's actual given name is not known. It was the custom among arist ...
was appointed her lady-in-waiting. In 995, a series of events unfolded which deteriorated her position. Her father died and was succeeded as regent by his rival, her uncle
Fujiwara no Michinaga
was a Japanese statesman. The Fujiwara clan's control over Japan and its politics reached its zenith under his leadership.
Early life
Michinaga was born in Kyōto, the son of Kaneiye. Kaneiye had become Regent in 986, holding the position unti ...
, and her brothers were exiled from court. The regent her uncle made his daughter
Fujiwara no Shōshi Fujiwara (, written: 藤原 lit. "''Wisteria'' field") is a Japanese surname. (In English conversation it is likely to be rendered as .) Notable people with the surname include:
; Families
* The Fujiwara clan and its members
** Fujiwara no Kamatari ...
the second consort of the Emperor, and secured the title Empress for her as well: for the first time in Japan, the Emperor had two Empresses, Teishi with the title ''Kōgō'' and Shōshi with the title ''Chūgū''. This created fierce rivalry between the two Empresses and her last four years was described as a period of humiliation for her.Gergana Ivanova, Unbinding The Pillow Book: The Many Lives of a Japanese Classic '
Because of the competition between her and Shoshi, the first consort, the Kana syllabary was developed. During
Heian Period
The is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. It followed the Nara period, beginning when the 50th emperor, Emperor Kanmu, moved the capital of Japan to Heian-kyō (modern Kyoto). means "peace" in Japanese. ...
court culture specifically, women showed the beauty in their ability to write poetry, play instruments, and paint. Teishi's lady in waiting, Sei Shonagon wrote ''The Pillow Book'' as a way to gain the Emperor's affection. However, Shoshi's lady in waiting wrote the famous ''Tale of Genji,'' which proved to have more impact on Heian society, ultimately promoting her to the rank of Empress as well. The many political rivalries between Teishi and the Emperor would make her delve into a period of depression and exile. Teishi was considered to be devoted to the Emperor as she showed a moral victory over the regent who attempted to divert the Emperor's affections to Shoshi.
Due to her social removal from society and her father's passing, she entered Buddhist priesthood. She became a Buddhist nun soon after
Emperor Kazan
was the 65th emperor of Japan, Imperial Household Agency (''Kunaichō'') 花山天皇 (65)/ref> according to the traditional order of succession.
Kazan's reign spanned the years from 984 through 986.
Biography
Before his ascension to the Chry ...
ordained.
At the age of 46, unable to produce a male heir, she died in childbirth.
Legacy
Her legacy of inspiring ''The Pillow Book'' and humor called Okashii is still maintained today in Japanese society. Because of her depression and social demise, she is remembered as an emotionally charged Empress who was able to subdue minimal power from the regency.
Name
Because of her social and political standing, Teishi was referred to by many names over the course of her life. After the Hogen War, she was promoted to Empress. Shortly after, in 1168, she was permitted to use the title "In" by the court. She was given the name Kujoin because of her proximity to the Emperor and her status as a woman. The name Kujoin was given as an Ingo, or a title given to women of a certain ranking.
In 1155 after the death of her husband, Emperor Konoe, she entered into priesthood. Her Buddhist name or Homyo, a name given to someone who enters this sect, was Seijokan.