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People in traditional Japanese robes reading, playing koto, and conversing in a serene Heian-kyō aristocratic residence overlooking a garden.

People in traditional Japanese robes reading, playing koto, and conversing in a serene Heian-kyō aristocratic residence overlooking a garden.

A serene interior scene inside an aristocratic residence in Heian-kyō during Japan’s Heian period. A spacious hall divided by shōji-like blinds (sudare) and painted folding screens, opening to a garden with a pond and stepping stones visible through a wide veranda. Tatami-like woven mats or smooth polished wooden floors; elegant lacquered furnishings; low pillows and writing stands. Noble women in multi-layered junihitoe silk robes sit gracefully, writing poetry, playing koto, or conversing. Male courtiers in formal court robes and tall eboshi caps read scrolls or perform refined ritual gestures. Soft filtered natural light, delicate incense smoke, calm aristocratic atmosphere. Muted but elegant color palette, refined aesthetic, highly realistic, historically accurate indoor Heian aristocratic lifestyle scene. See more