The Pillow Book (a work detailing Japanese mourning practices)

"The Pillow Book" is a classical Japanese text by Sei Shōnagon, offering a detailed glimpse into court life during the Heian period. While primarily known for its personal reflections, descriptions, and literary observations, it also highlights aspects of Japanese customs, including mourning practices. The work provides insights into how aristocrats observed rituals, expressed emotions, and maintained social etiquette during periods of mourning. Through its vivid anecdotes and lists, it captures the cultural importance placed on proper conduct and the delicate handling of grief, serving as both a personal diary and a reflection of the intricate cultural norms of that era.