Emperor and Aristocracy in Japan, 1467-1680
Subtitle: Resilience and Renewal (Harvard East Asian Monographs)
Publisher: Harvard University Asia Center
Published: July 31, 2002
Language: eng
Format: Hardcover
Number of pages: 452
ISBN-13: 9780674008519
Subjects: Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 1500 to c 1900; Asian / Middle Eastern history: c 500 to c 1500; c 1000 CE to c 1500; c 1500 to c 1600; c 1600 to c 1700; Japan; Japan - History; Monarchy And Aristocracy; History - General History; History: World; Asia - Japan; History / Japan; Emperors; Court and courtiers; History; Muromachi period, 1336-1573
Description: "Emperor and Aristocracy in Japan traces the fate of the imperial Japanese court from its lowest point during the turbulent, century-long sengoku, when the old society, built upon the strength and influence of the court, the priesthood, and a narrow warrior elite, was shaken to its foundations, to the Tokugawa era, when court culture displayed renewed vitality, and tea gatherings, flower arranging, and architecture flourished.".

"In determining how the court managed to persist and survive, Butler looks into contemporary documents, diaries, and letters to reveal the court's internal politics and protocols, heirarchies, finances, and ceremonial observances. Emperor and courtiers adjusted to the prominence of the warrior elite, even as they held on to the idealogical advantages bestowed by birth, tradition, and culture.

To this historical precedent the new wielders of power paid dutiful homage, ever mindful that ranks and titles, as well as the political blessing of the emperor, were advantageous marks of distinction."--BOOK JACKET.