Sei Shōnagon Collected editions

Sei Shōnagon (c. 966 – c. 1017) was a Japanese court lady and author of The Pillow Book, a unique blend of diary, essay, and list that captures life in the imperial court during the Heian period. With wit, elegance, and keen observation, she recorded everything from courtly intrigues to moments of fleeting beauty.

Her work offers both a personal portrait and a cultural record, providing modern readers with a window into an age of refinement and artistic expression.

Through The Pillow Book, Sei Shōnagon remains one of literature’s most distinctive and enduring voices.