Guide to the classics: the sophisticated aesthetics of Sei Shōnagon’s The Pillow Book

Woodblock print of Sei Shōnagon – Chōbunsai Eishi (1801). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Over a thousand years ago, a gentlewoman received a precious bundle of fine paper from her beloved Empress Teishi. She decided to write down her thoughts and opinions on anything that “moved and fascinated” her during her service at the Empress’s court.

This work, which collects witty repartee, poetic exchanges, anecdotes and much more, came to be known as Makura no sōshi, or The Pillow Book.