The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon (Makura no Soshi)
Translated by Ivan Morris

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon (Makura no Sôshi) revolves around the everyday activities of the lady-in-waiting referred to in the title. It is a day-to-day record of her thoughts, experiences and observations. Sei Shonagon constantly convinces the reader she is an intelligent and beautiful court lady, whose wit and ability to write poems on the fly, have gained her the respect and adoration of the Empress (who she adores herself). As could be expected with skilled and beautiful women, she hides little of her pride and often lauds herself for her accomplishments especially when she gains the admiration of a certain Court Official. Shonagon is frivolous, indolent, superficial but highly intelligent. Her standing in the Court allows her to look down and criticize commoners, ridicule High Court Chamberlains and pester lowly servants.

Sei Shonagon considers herself a guru of propriety and correct behavior especially those involving interactions with the respected and elegant. She is easily moved by beautiful things, whether it be a tree or a ceremonial dance. Most of the passages include at least one statement about her opinions on aesthetics. In fact, when she is not concerned with a particular gossip or Festival, she writes beautifully, describing the rain as it falls or the bird as it flies off.

The titles of each passage are clear and to the point: 14. Hateful Things, 16. Things that Make One's Heart beat Faster, 17. Things That Arouse a Fond Memory of the Past 19. Oxen Should Have very Small Foreheads and 21. A Preacher ought to be Good Looking.

 

By the end of the book, the casual reader might consider her a prejudiced, close-minded and egotistical creature especially when derogatory passages become more and more frequent. (#166 If a Servant Girl)

The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon is not for the fast reader. It does not have a story and the short narratives, when it does occur, are replete with distracting intrusions. The translator's efforts were enthusiastic and the 185-sections, with at least 2 lengthy (and essential) footnotes each, is not easy reading. Ivan Morris himself admits the phrases and descriptions in the book are repetitive and tedious making some of the passages seem like a typographical error.

The book is nevertheless an impressive effort from Mr. Morris and an example of a well-researched and excellent translation. It is also an entertaining and a unique work in its own right, worthy to be included in any library of Asian literature.

Rating:

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi’s series “One Hundred Aspects of the Moon.”

Sei Shonagon was a court lady in 10th century (around 965) Japan during the Heian Era of medieval Japan. As the daughter of a provincial official, she served as a lady-in-waiting at the Court of the Japanese Empress.

 
 
August Issue