Tag: Japan

Who’s in Charge Here?

Season 6, Episode 15: Who’s in Charge Here?
A painting of Minamoto Yoshitomo, who joined with Emperor Go-Shirakawa’s forces against his father, Minamoto Tameyoshi. Note the broken arrow sticking out of his shoulder pauldron. Public Domain
A screen painting of the Hogen Rebellion, probably painted during the later Edo Period, likely in the1600s. If you right-click–>Open Image in a New Tab, you can zoom in and see the charging Samurai fighting it out around the Shirakawa-den Palace. Public Domain
A portrait of Minamoto Yoshitomo’s brother, Minamoto Tametomo. A legendary archer, his left arm was purposefully crippled after the Hogen Rebellion and he was exiled to a small island. Public Domain
Another depiction of Minamoto Tametomo, this time drawing his bow and displaying a particularly Japanese style of archery, raising the bow above his head and then lowering it as he takes aim and draws the string back. Public Domain

The Party is Over

Season 6, Episode 14: The Party is Over
Emperor Sutoku, depicted in typical Heian court garb. Public Domain
Fujiwara Yorinaga, who was rejected when he applied to tutor the young crown prince. Public Domain
Emperor Go-Shirakawa, who ascended the throne instead of Sutoku-Tenno’s son. Public Domain

Emperor Shirakawa’s Loophole

Season 6, Episode 13: Emperor Shirakawa’s Loophole
A depiction of Emperor Shirakawa in monk’s habit. It would become common to portray retired emperors wearing religious clothing to reflect their status as holy rulers. Public Domain
Emperor Toba, also wearing monk’s habit. Public Domain

The Golden Age of Goryeo

Season 6, Episode 12: The Golden Age of Goryeo
The Royal flag of Goryeo, featuring a phoenix. Public Domain
A painting which features depictions of Goryeo nobility. Public Domain
A celedon bowl found in a tomb dating to 1159. Source: National Museum of Korea, KOGL Type 1 http://www.kogl.or.kr/open/info/license_info/by.do, via Wikimedia Commons
A celedon teapot from the Goryeo Dynasty (early 1100s) with exquisite inlaid designs and beautifully crafted textures. Public Domain
A celedon incense burner from the 1100s with cute rabbits for feet. Source: Steve46814, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Another Fujiwara Clan?

Season 6, Episode 9: Another Fujiwara Clan?
Minamoto Yoshiie holding a war fan with an attendant. Public Domain
An illustrated scroll portraying the Later Three Years War, or Gosannen War. Public Domain
Fujiwara Kiyohira, the founder of the Northern Fujiwara Clan. Public Domain

The Middling Kampaku

Season 6, Episode 8: The Middling Kampaku
A painting of Minamoto Yoriyoshi in armor drinking tea. Source: Musuketeer.3, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A painting of Abe Sadato, son of Abe Yoritoki. Sadato continued to evade and outmaneuver the Minamoto warband until the Kiyohara clan became involved in 1062. Public Domain
Japan with Mutsu Province highlighted in red. This was where the Former Nine Years War took place. Source: Ash_Crow, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

Tendai Troubles

Season 6, Episode 7: Tendai Troubles
A statue of Ryogen. Public Domain
An illustration of Ryogen during a mythical confrontation with an ogre. Public Domain
A portrait of Genshin seated while holding a mala. Public Domain
Mount Hiei, modern day. As you can see, it is quite large. Source: Moja, CC BY-SA 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/, via Wikimedia Commons

The First Novel

Season 6, Episode 6: The First Novel
A portrait of Murasaki Shikibu from the late 1500s. Public Domain
A portion of an illustrated scroll of The Tale of Genji. This particular copy is from the 1100s. Public Domain
The back of a 2000 yen note from the Bank of Japan. On the left is Genji Hikaru and peeking from behind a screen on the right is Murasaki Shikibu. Public Domain
A painting of Murasaki Shikibu staring at the moon for inspiration as she pens another chapter. Note that she is wearing purple, a reference to her pseudonym. Public Domain
A landscape portrait, once again featuring the purple-clad Murasaki Shikibu gazing at the moon. Public Domain
Sei Shonagon, author of The Pillow Book, peaks from behind a sliding screen. Public Domain
Sei Shonagon, as imagined by later artist Kikuchi Yosai. Public Domain

Michinaga the Magnificent

Season 6, Episode 5: Michinaga the Magnificent
Fujiwara Michinaga as imagined by the later artist Kikuchi Yosai. Public Domain
Emperor Ichijo, under whose reign Fujiwara Michinaga ascended to the apex of political power. Public Domain
Emperor Sanjo, who frequently clahsed with the Mido Kampaku but ultimately retired from office after five miserable, frustrating years. Public Domain
The unfortunate Fujiwara Korechika, who lost nearly everything when he tried to compete with Michinaga. Public Domain

The Reign of the Regents

Season 6, Episode 4: The Reign of the Regents
A painting of Emperor Murakami, seated in his fine robes and holding a folded fan. Source: Public Domain
A drawing of Fujiwara Saneyori by Kikuchi Yosai. Source: Public Domain
A drawing of Fujiwara Morosuke, also by Kikuchi Yosai. Source: Public Domain
The tomb of Emperor Reizei. Source: Public Domain
A painting of Emperor Kazan seated and holding a mala and a vajra, symbolizing his commitment to Buddhist practice. Source: Public Domain
A painting of Emperor Ichijo, seated. Source: Public Domain