Japanese Primary Document from 700-1400 C.E.

The Tale of Genji

The Tale of Genji is about the son of an emperor named Genji. Genji lacks the backing in court so the emperor makes him a commonerand assigns him to the non-royal Genji clan. Then the emperor makes Lady Kokiden's eldest son the crown prince. Genji becomes handsome and gifed and was admired by all except for Lady Kokiden and her family who feared him. He has many amorous exploits with the ladies of the area and eventually marries Aoi who gives birth to  his son. His father then dies and is succeeded by Lady Kokidens son. Genji is involved in a scandal so he is forced to leave the capital and live in Suma where he meets the Akashi Lady. He then returns to the capital and the emperor abdicates in favor of Fujitusbo's son who Genij is secretly the father too. Genji's court position is restored and the Akashi Lady has a baby girl. Genji then settles down with several ladies at his Rokujo Mansion and concerns himself with the advancements of his sons and grandsons in the court. Genji is persuaded to marry the Third Princess, she has a son and becomes a Buddhist nun. Then the story shifts to the area of Uji and the adventures of Genji's "son" and grandson who are friends and rivals in love. The complex plot changes to focus on the daughters of Genji's half brother, The Eighth Prince, and the Ukifune.

   

The Tale of Genji was the first novel ever be written. It is considered to be the single greatest work of Japanese literature. As an 11th century romance novel it gave a window into court life. And showed how court life was filled with poetry and made social and psychological observations. It also showed that women were educated in literature and were in fact encouraged to write.

Chinese Poetry and Painting

Poem:

Question and Answer on the Mountain

Li Bai

You ask for what reason I stay on the green mountain,

I smile, but do not answer, my heart is at leisure.

Peach blossom is carried far off by flowing water,

Apart, I have heaven and earth in the human world.

This poem shows the importance of nature to the Chinese. Nature was where they often found peace and shelter. It would calm and sooth them and bring them peace. Here they could clear their thoughts and escape into a different world. The mountains were magic and gave them a feeling of mystery and wonder. Under the lush green branches of the trees and in the bamboo forests of the green mountain it was probable that Li Bai found peace, solace, and inspiration. The Chinese valued nature not only because it was mystical and awe inspiring. Hear is where they experienced heaven and nirvana but still were grounded and tied to the earth. In other words having heaven and earth in the human world.

Painting:

By Wang Shen

This painting shows the a beautiful mountain waterfall swathed in
clouds and ribbons of fog. Suggesting that this mountain is a higher
place. Isolated from the troubles of the outside world. A special haven
that is treasured. The empty space around it suggests that it is like
an island, or an oasis surrounded by dry hot stressful desert sand. This
painting symbolizes that nature, particular mountainous regions

served as and oasis to the Chinese and their lifestyle.

Connection:

In both of these articles of Chinese art nature was found to provide peace and comfort in the natives lives. It soothed them and gave them an Oasis to where they could escape from their daily lives. It inspired their art and their lives. When they surrounded themselves with nature they often let their soles to fly free in bliss. This made them feel as if they could experience heaven or nirvana while remaining attached and grounded to the earth.