Early JapanEarly Japan

FeudalismFeudalism

Japan Looks Towards ChinaJapan Looks Towards China

600s Japanese nobles sent

directly to China exchange last 200 years

students, monks, traders, official

600s Japanese nobles sent

directly to China exchange last 200 years

students, monks, traders, official

What is Selective Borrowing?What is Selective Borrowing?

Japan selected the best parts of Chinese culture while preserving their own unique identity.

Japan selected the best parts of Chinese culture while preserving their own unique identity.

Things Borrowed From ChinaThings Borrowed From China

adopted the title “Heavenly Emperor” and claimed absolute power

adopted the title “Heavenly Emperor” and claimed absolute power

Things Borrowed From ChinaThings Borrowed From China

built a capital, Nara, modeled on the Tang capital Changan

built a capital, Nara, modeled on the Tang capital Changan

ChanganChangan NaraNara

Things Borrowed From ChinaThings Borrowed From China

used Chinese characters in writing

used Chinese characters in writing

Things Borrowed From ChinaThings Borrowed From China

adopted Buddhism, but retained traditional Shinto beliefs

adopted Buddhism, but retained traditional Shinto beliefs

What is the Heian Period?What is the Heian Period?

794 - 1185, imperial court moved to Heian (modern Kyoto)

794 - 1185, imperial court moved to Heian (modern Kyoto)

What is the Heian Period?What is the Heian Period?

nobles followed and created a highly refined culture nobles followed and created a highly refined culture

Life in the Heian PeriodLife in the Heian Period

gentlemen and ladies followed elaborate rituals and artistic pursuits

gentlemen and ladies followed elaborate rituals and artistic pursuits

Life in the Heian PeriodLife in the Heian Period

proper etiquette and appearance was important women wore hair down to their ankles blackened their teeth with cosmetics dyed clothes to match seasons

proper etiquette and appearance was important women wore hair down to their ankles blackened their teeth with cosmetics dyed clothes to match seasons

Life in the Heian PeriodLife in the Heian Period

everyone was expected to write poetry and paint everyone was expected to write poetry and paint

Life in the Heian PeriodLife in the Heian Period

nobles looked down on common people who did not participate in court refinement

nobles looked down on common people who did not participate in court refinement

The Great Waveat Kanagawa Nami-Ura

The Great Waveat Kanagawa Nami-Ura

from the Thirty-six Views of Fuji, by Katsushika Hokusai. c. 1823.from the Thirty-six Views of Fuji, by Katsushika Hokusai. c. 1823.