In the Heian period, miyabi began as a means for the political underdog to establish his superiority through cultural knowledge. Later it became a more widespread ideal among courtiers, dictating...Show moreIn the Heian period, miyabi began as a means for the political underdog to establish his superiority through cultural knowledge. Later it became a more widespread ideal among courtiers, dictating social and cultural comportment. Though many works of miyabi literature, often written by women, are celebrated nowadays, both miyabi and women were severely undermined by Buddhism at the time of their creation. Buddhism deemed women impure and unable to reach enlightenment, due to menstruation and childbirth. Literature, as a wordly attachment, was deemed sinful. This view of literature was combatted at later the miyabi literature was revered as something which could show the way of the Buddha to the people. When the licensed pleasure quarter of Edo, the Yoshiwara, was opened in 1618, miyabi was used to create a sophisticated image that made the trip to the outside the city seem worth the effort. Tales and images of a dream world with beautiful and sophisticated women – the Edo version of a Heian court lady - drove many customers to the quarter. The Yoshiwara, although the only legal place, was not the only place that offered sex. To keep making a profit, the Yoshiwara brothel owners had to use marketing tactics. It became fashionable to be tsū, a man who knew the ways of the Yoshiwara. In collaboration with brothel owners, guidebooks and critiques were published, that showcased and ranked the best of the Yoshiwara. Sophisticated portraits of high-ranking prostitutes looked nearly identical, but only those with the knowledge needed could ‘read’ the images and perceive the details about the women, as well as pick up on the erotic undercurrent.Show less