I do wish men, when they're taking their leave from a lady at dawn, wouldn't insist on adjusting their clothes to a nicety, or fussily tying their lacquered cap securely into place. After all, who would laugh at a man or criticize him if they happened to catch sight of him on his way home from an assignation in fearful disarray, with his cloak or hunting costume all awry?

~ Sei Shōnagon

Sei Shōnagon Assignations Dawn Departures Heian Period Japanese Culture Lovers Palace Life Sexuality Social Norms

8. The Cat Who Lived in the PalaceThe cat who lived in the Palace had been awarded the head-dress of nobility and was called Lady Myobu.

~ Sei Shōnagon

Sei Shōnagon Cat Cats Court Empress Heian Heian Culture Heian Period Lady Palace