Shōnagon (Sei Shōnagon)

Sei Shōnagon was a Japanese court lady and author during the Heian period (794–1185). She is best known for her work "The Pillow Book," a collection of observations, essays, and personal reflections that offer a vivid glimpse into court life and aesthetics of her time. Her writing is celebrated for its wit, poetic language, and keen observations of nature, social customs, and daily routines. Shōnagon’s work is considered a literary classic, influential in Japanese literature, and provides valuable insights into the culture and values of aristocratic society in medieval Japan.