noun
court ladies' residence (Heian Palace)
Historical term referring to a specific building within the inner Heian Palace, also known as 淑景舎 (しげいしゃ). Used in classical literature and historical contexts.
See also: 淑景舎
『源氏物語』の「桐壺」の巻は、桐壺更衣にちなんで名付けられた。
The 'Kiritsubo' chapter of The Tale of Genji is named after the Kiritsubo Consort.
平安京
The Kiritsubo in the Heian Palace inner court is a consort's residence also called Shigeisha.
Synonymous alternative name for the same building; 桐壺 is the more common literary name, while 淑景舎 is the formal Chinese-style name.
Compound of 桐 (kiri, 'paulownia') and 壺 (tsubo, 'courtyard' or 'garden'), referring to the paulownia trees planted in the courtyard of this residence. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the name is well-established in Heian-period sources.