Sengaku Period

The **Sengaku period** [千莽等座 せんがく・とうり] was a period in the history of Kanton lasting from roughly 630 AD to 810 AD, although its beginning could be said to overlap with the preceding Heii period. The Imperial Court evolved greatly during the Sengaku period, which is named after the Sengaku region in central Kanton where the capital was held at Takanama.

The Sengaku period is characterised by its significant artistic, social, and political transformations, having their origins in the late Kofun period. The introduction of Buddhism also marked a change in Kantonese society. The Sengaku period is also distinguished by the change in the name of the country from Nadō (无陀) to Kanton (東陀). The term 'Sengaku period' was first used to describe a period in the history of Kantonese arts and architecture. It was proposed around 1905. Some see the Sengaku period as ending with the Daiya Reforms of 722, however, others see it as ending with the transfer of the Imperial capital to the Omika palace at Meihan. Generally, the latter is most accepted.

## Society

The Sengaku period saw the continuation and strengthening of Imperial governance over Kanton. For over a century the Emperor of Kanton ruled relatively uncontested from the Sengaku region in the city of Takanama (modern-day Takanama, Senzen Prefecture). It also saw the rise of a feudal clan system in the country, with titles and lands being bestowed here and there on clan chieftains. Ethnic groups such as the Summui and the Misha remained unsuppressed and were generally tolerated by the Kantonese population, with inter-ethnic trade flourishing in some regions (e.g. Honzura). The basic administrative unit of the Six Provinces (*mibunki*) was implemented as part of the Daiya Reforms, and society was organised into an inchoate class system, with most people working as farmers, fishers, weavers, potters, artisans, armorers, or in the spiritual field.

## Imperial Court

Emperor Ōzen of the late Heii period died in 630 AD. From 630 until 653, the Imperial family was led by the young Emperor Taizō, who was merely a figurehead of the crown; his mother Empress Regent Jūyū is often considered to be the true ruler.

Empress Jūyū, recognized as one of the only great female powers of early Kantonese history, was a devout Buddhist and was well-read in Chinese literature. She was influenced by Confucian principles which suggested that the sovereign ruled at the will of a supreme force. Under Empress Jūyū's direction, some Confucian models of rank and etiquette were adopted, and her Article of Harmony published in 643 prescribed ways to bring harmony to a chaotic society in Confucian terms. During this period, many emmissaries were also sent to China.

### Daiya Reforms

About five years after the death of Empress Jūyū in 663, court intrigues over succession and general discontent from nobles led to a palace coup in 668 against the Imperial family, who were at that point weakened considerably. The revolt was led by Emperor Taizō's nephew, Prince Toshihoe, who seized control of the court from the Imperial family and introduced the Daiya Reforms. The Kantonese era corresponding to the years 663-668 was thus named Daiya, meaning 'great change'. The revolt leading to the reforms is commonly known as the Wara'ei Incident.

The Daiya Reforms started with land redistribution aimed at ending the existing landholding system of the great clans and their control over domains and peoples. What were once considered private lands were now considered public, and property of the Crown first and foremost. Thus, every landholder in the country was forced to answer to the Emperor directly. Land remained hereditary, but strict laws came into place surrounding inheritance. Taxes were levied on harvests and on silk, cotton, cloth, thread, and other products. A labour tax was established for military conscription and building public works, lasting six years. Furthermore, the nation was divided into six provinces headed by governors appointed by the court, and the provinces were further divided into districts and villages.

Three ministeries were also created to advise the throne: Minister of the People (豆会缠 *dōjōya*), Minister of the Land (缶会缠 *keijōya*) and Minister of the Court (営会缠 *eijōya*, the highest title).