Classical Japan During the Heian Period: Government, Religion and Culture

The culture of Japan bloomed during the classical Japanese period. The classic period of Japan began in the late 8th century, and the Heian period saw the archipelago transformed in four centuries. The last division of classic Japanese history is the Heian period which ran from 794 to 1185. The Heian period was followed by the Nara Period. In 794 C.E., Japan moved its capital to Heian-Kyo from Nara 794 C.E. 

This was the Japanese period when it first distinguished itself from the imported Chinese culture. The culture of Japan, which was established during the Heian, was enduring. Culture and literature flourished during this period. The architecture of the Heian period followed the Chinese model.

Heian Government

The Government of the Heian Period ruled over around seven million people. The empire was spread around 68 provinces. Each province was ruled by a regional government and divided into nine or eight districts. The centre of the government was based in Kyoto and consisted of the emperor, a council of state, high ministers and eight ministries. The majority of the people of Japan worked the land, either for themselves or the estates of others. They were burdened by excessive taxation and banditry. Under the leadership of Taira no Masakado, some rebellions that occurred in Kanto between 935 and 940 CE were not uncommon. Emperor at court was important and divine but became sidelined by powerful bureaucrats from one family.

Heian Religion

Buddhism was the dominant religion of the Heian period. It maintained its dominance through such monks as Kukai and Saicho, who founded the sects of Buddhism called Shingon and Tendai. They visited China and brought new texts, ideas and practices, notably the Lotus Sutra (Hokke-Kyo). The new message in the Lotus Sutra was an equally valid way to enlightenment. There was also the Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism, Amida (Amitabha), who could help his followers on this difficult path.

The government's patronage assisted the spread of Buddhism in this Japanese period. The emperor appointed monks and abbots to monasteries as he was wary of undue power amongst the Buddhist clergy. Soon the sects of Buddhists become powerful political entities. To carry weapons and kill anyone was strictly prohibited for the monks. Hence for their fighting, monks could pay novice monks and mercenaries to gain power and influence in landed-estate managers, the mishmash of nobles, private and imperial armies, pirates, emperors, ex-emperors and warring clans that were responsible for destroying the Heian political landscape.

Principles of Taoist and Confucian were influential in the central administration, and the belief of the old Shinto and animism continued, as before, to hold sway over the general populace. The important places of pilgrimage were still Shinto temples, such as the important pilgrim place was the Ise Grande Shrine. Side by side, all of these faiths were practised by the people of the Heian period.

Culture of the Heian Period

The Heian period is also for cultural achievements. These cultural achievements of the Heian period included using Chinese characters and creating Japanese writing (kana). The first novel in the world, the Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu, was produced. Different noted diaries (Nikki) were written by court ladies of the Heian period, such as “The Pillow Book” by Sei Shonagon. a Tale of Flowering Fortunes by Akazome Emon, Izumi Shikibu Diary and Fujiwara no Michitsuna's Kagero Nikki are examples of the other famous works of the period.

The period also witnessed the production of fine clothing with Chinese brocades and silk at the Royal court. Fine calligraphy, screen paintings, intricate hand scrolls of pictures and text (e-maki) were the modes of representing visual arts. The reputation of an aristocrat was built on his position at court, in the administration and his ability to compose his own dance, poetry, and music, play master board games and perform feats of archery.

The inspiration for paintings and sculptures was Buddhism. Painters and sculptors produced paintings of scholars, wooden sculptures (painted or left natural), gilded bronze bells, ornate bronze mirrors, rock-cut sculptures of Buddha, and lacquered cases for sutras which all helped spread the new sects. A class of professional artists arose for the first time in Japan to fulfil the demand for art of the work previously created by scholar monks. Painting became a pastime for the aristocracy.

End of the Heian Period

When the Fujiwara lost their powers over the empire, the Heian period eventually ended. Then rivalling warlords transformed Japan into a shogunate by assuming government control. But the culture developed by the Heian aristocrats during this period lived on, which is the base of the culture of Japan.

The royal family was defeated in 1185 CE by the Genji clan, also called the Minamoto, and took control of Japan. They established Shogunate, a new system of government where the emperor was advised and essentially controlled by shoguns, the powerful military nobles.

Do you Know?

• Mandala Art became very popular during the Heian Period. It was used as a Buddhist meditation aid and ritualistic geometric design symbolic of the universe.

• Yamato-e is a style of Japanese painting that was fully developed by the late Heian period but initiated in the Tang dynasty. It was produced in the classical Japanese style.

Conclusion

Japan has witnessed several ancient and medieval periods, but the Heian period had a special place in the history of Japan. Hence classical japan during the Heian period witnessed several cultural, political and social growth. Painting, literature and architecture were nurtured. The culture of Japan had the influence of China initially, but during this period, Japan developed its own culture.