Includes bibliographical references and index.

Part I. The Nyoin title and royal women's roles at court -- The emergence and evolution of the Nyoin institution -- The busy religious life of Nyoin: funding Buddhist rituals and coordinating pilgrimages -- Part II. Power and struggle: Sen'yōmon-in as a royal heiress -- Death and inheritance-the sudden rise of Sen'yōmon-in -- Layers of information-the list of Rokujō palace estates -- Protecting a Nyoin household -- Material goods from the estates and Sen'yōmon-in's influence -- Sen'yōmon-in's seasonal festivities and religious ceremonies -- Sen'yōmon-in's final years and the transfer of her estates -- Part III. Comparative perspectives: Sen'yōmon-in, other Nyoin, and their male counterparts -- Nyoin power-wielding strategies -- Estate characteristics: location, industry, and historical significance.

"Explores the important political and economic leadership roles of royal women in medieval Japan, questioning the traditional view of the era as one dominated by male retired monarchs and warrior government. These women, who held the title of premier royal lady (nyoin), owned extensive landed estates across Japan, and used their wealth and networks to build temples and to assert religious, cultural, and political influence"-- Provided by publisher.

Description based on print version record.