<<ALT TAG: This is an image of fan. The fan features a drawing of the city.>>
The city of Kyoto, depicted here, was much more important than Edo, or modern-day Tokyo, which didn’t exist until 1457. Kyoto remained the official seat of power until the 19th century. Kyoto’s primacy, however was far from peaceful. In fact it was almost completely destroyed by combatants during the Onin War (1467-1477).
<<ALT TAG: In this painting, Ashikaga Yoshimasa is sitting cross-legged on the floor.>>
As its name suggests, the Sengoku, or “Warring States,” period (1467-1603) was tumultuous. It started with the Onin War, a bloody internal power struggle following the death of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, whose attempts to provide a clear successor left Japan with two: his brother and his young child. Two camps quickly formed, and civil war ensued. Interestingly, Ashikaga was not emperor. He was a Shogun, a military ruler who was, in theory, beholden to the emperor, but in truth ruled Japan.
<<ALT TAG: This is a painting of the birth of Buddha. There are dragons in the top-left corner. The Buddha is in the middle, surrounded by people.>>
Shinto, a collection of mythologies and traditions, was indigenous to Japan. From the year 500, however, belief systems from other regions found footholds in Japan and became increasingly popular. Approximately every 5 centuries, a new faith reached Japan, starting with Buddhism, then Confucianism, and finally Christianity. This painting, depicting the birth of Buddha, reflects the popularity of the faith in the 15th century. Notice the dragons bathing Buddha after his birth.
<<ALT TAG: This painting features numerous items of clothing hanging on a rack.>>
Life for women depended on their class. Up to the 16th century, for example, women of the Samurai class were formally trained in combat. During times of war, they were responsible for the protection of the home. They upheld a code of honour, and were prepared to commit ritual suicide if they believed their honour had been compromised. Women born in the upper class were educated, owned property. and contributed to the culture through writing and poetry. The status of women was reflected in their clothes. This painting, Whose Sleeves, is one of many that depicts the clothes of someone of status, but not the owner herself. Thus, the viewer is left to guess the identity of the owner based on the beauty of the items.