The Pillow Book of Sei Shonagon

Sei Shonagon, who was a lady-in-waiting at the court of he Emperor of Japan towards the end of the tenth century AD, wrote her Pillow Book as a sort of very early blog. Here are three more examples of her lists of things which she found worthy of noting.

Things That Have Lost Their Power

A large boat which is high and dry in a creek at ebb-tide.

A woman who has taken off her false locks to comb the short hair that remains.

A large tree that has been blown down in a gale and lies on its side with its roots in the air.

The retreating figure of a Sumo wrestler who has been defeated in a match.

Awkward Things

One has gone to a house and asked to see someone; but the wrong person appears, thinking that it is he who is wanted; this is especially awkward if one has brought a present.

One has allowed oneself to speak badly about someone without really intending to do so; a young child who has overheard it all goes and repeats what one has said in front of the person in question.

Someone sobs out a pathetic story. One is deeply moved; but it so happens that not a single tear comes to one's eyes - most awkward. Though one makes one's face look as if one is going to cry, it is no use; not a single tear will come. Yet there are times when, having heard something happy, one feels the tears streaming out.

Things That Fall From The Sky

Snow. Hail. I do not like sleet, but when it is mixed with pure white snow it is very pretty.

Snow looks wonderful when it has fallen on a roof of cypress bark.

When snow begins to melt a little, or when only a small amount has fallen, it enters into all the cracks between the bricks, so that the roof is black in some places, pure white in others - most attractive.

I like drizzle and hail when they come down on a shingle roof.

I also like frost on a shingle roof or in a garden.