Heian period
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The Heian period is the last division of classical Japanese history, running from 794 to 1185. It followed the Nara period, beginning when the 50th emperor, Emperor Kammu, moved the capital of Japan t
Miniature model of Heian-kyō, the capital during the Heian period
Byōdō-in ("Phoenix Hall"), built in the 11th century (Uji, Kyoto)
Section of a handscroll depicting a scene from the "Bamboo River" chapter of the Tale of Genji, c. 1130
Drawing of Fujiwara no Michinaga, by Kikuchi Yōsai
Cloistered rule
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Cloistered rule was a form of government in Japan during the Heian period. In this bifurcated system, an emperor abdicated, but retained power and influence. Those retired emperors, who withdrew to li
A scene from the Kasuga Gongen Genki E depicting the procession of the retired emperor Shirakawa