Summary: The Heian period in Japan was a time of contrast between the refined, introspective atmosphere of court life and the dynamic, humorous spirit of rustic scenes and common people known as okashi. The Bandainagon Ekotoba, a series of scrolls depicting arson and intrigue at the Imperial Palace, reflects a middle ground between these two perspectives through a combination of static and dynamic compositions capturing the emotions of sorrow and humor. The courtiers of this era were patrons of not only painting but also ornate sutras and poetry anthologies, believing in the religious merit of copying sacred texts. The blending of religious conviction and ornate beauty is exemplified in donations to temples, illustrated with paintings and tinted prints depicting scenes of daily life. The courtiers' fondness for lacquer ware and incense further underscore their addiction to ornamental beauty, reflecting the fusion of faith and aesthetics that characterized the art of the time. The arts of Japan, meticulously captured in Noma Seiroku's book translated by John Rosenfield, provide a vivid insight into the cultural treasures and spiritual ideals of ancient Japan up to the 16th century, embodying the rich evolution of art intertwined with historical, religious, and social contexts.