Japan in the 10th century stood physically and culturally isolated from the rest of the world. Inside this cultural bubble, a subtle and beautiful world was in operation, and its inhabitants were delicately tied to the moment, having no interest in the future and disdain for the past. In a small diary, a young courtesan of the Heian period, Sei Shonagon, gives her account of the Japanese courts of the day, providing her personal perspective on a unique time in Japanese history. It was in this small diary that Shonagon kept notes on the intrigues, foibles, and habits of Japan’s 10th-century court life. Waley’s elegant translation reflects Shonagon’s girlish temperament and her quirky personality traits. In a place and time where poetry was as important as knowledge and beauty was highly revered, Shonagon’s private writings give the reader a charming and intimate glimpse into a time of isolated innocence and pale beauty.

In this classical cover design, our cover cooks pursued a close-up composition that engaged the reader with the woman’s gaze; her portrait reminiscent of an elegant Japanese watercolor painting. Traditional floral kimono patterns serve as a delicate background to the title, adding a hint of intimacy and feminity to the private journal.