Fujiwara no Teishi facts for kids

Fujiwara no Teishi (藤原 定子, 977 – January 13, 1001), also known as Sadako, was an important empress in ancient Japan. She was the wife of Emperor Ichijō. Teishi is famous because she is mentioned in The Pillow Book. This classic book was written by her lady-in-waiting, Sei Shōnagon.

Life of Empress Teishi

Fujiwara no Teishi was born in 977. She was the first daughter of Fujiwara no Michitaka. Her family was very powerful in Japan.

In 990, Teishi joined the court as a junior consort. A consort is a wife of a ruler. In the same year, she was promoted to the rank of empress. This happened when Emperor Ichijō became old enough to rule. Her father, Michitaka, was made regent. A regent is someone who rules for a young emperor. Her sister also married the Emperor's cousin, who was the Crown Prince.

Challenges as Empress

Empress Teishi had a court that loved literature and culture. Sei Shōnagon, a famous writer, became her lady-in-waiting. But in 995, things became difficult for Teishi.

Her father died during a sickness that spread through the capital city. After his death, her uncle, Fujiwara no Michinaga, became the new regent. He was a rival to her family. Then, her brothers, Korechika and Takaie, faced a serious problem. They were involved in a disagreement with the former Emperor Kazan. Her brothers tried to scare him away by shooting arrows. One arrow even hit the emperor's clothing. Because of this, her brothers were sent away from the capital. Korechika was sent to Dazaifu, and Takaie to Izumo.

Losing her father and her brothers made Teishi's position at court much weaker. A fire also destroyed her home, leaving her without a place to live. She had to move to a less grand house. This was very embarrassing for an empress. The Eiga Monogatari (a historical tale) says that when her brothers were taken away, Teishi, who was pregnant, cut her hair. This was a way to show she wanted to become a Buddhist nun.

Two Empresses in Japan

In 999, Teishi gave birth to a son. When she returned to the palace, her uncle, the new regent, had done something new. He made his own daughter, Fujiwara no Shōshi, another wife of the Emperor. He also made Shōshi an empress. This was the first time in Japan that an emperor had two empresses at once.

Shōshi was given the title chūgū. Teishi, who had been chūgū, was now called kōgō. Both titles mean empress. But this change was a step down for Teishi. The title chūgū became known as the higher-ranking empress. This created a strong rivalry between the two empresses. Teishi's last four years were described as a time of sadness for her.

The competition between Teishi and Shōshi even helped develop the Japanese writing system called Kana. During the Heian period, court women showed their skill through poetry, music, and painting. Sei Shōnagon, Teishi's lady, wrote The Pillow Book to gain the Emperor's favor. However, Shōshi's lady-in-waiting wrote the famous The Tale of Genji. This book had a bigger impact on society.

Empress Teishi died on January 13, 1001, after giving birth to her daughter Bishi. Her son, Atsuyasu, was later adopted by Shōshi. Atsuyasu was a favorite of his father, Emperor Ichijō. But the emperor could not make him the next crown prince. This was because Atsuyasu lacked strong family support after Shōshi had her own son in 1008.

Legacy

Empress Teishi is remembered for inspiring The Pillow Book. This book is still important in Japanese society today. She is seen as an empress who faced many emotional challenges. She tried to keep some power even when her family's influence weakened.

Children

• Imperial Princess Shushi (脩子内親王) (997–1049)
• Imperial Prince Atsuyasu (敦康親王) (999–1019)
• Imperial Princess Bishi (媄子内親王) (1001–1008)