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
The 'Kiritsubo' chapter of The Tale of Genji is named after the Kiritsubo Consort.
平安京内裏の桐壺は、淑景舎とも呼ばれる后妃の殿舎である。
The Kiritsubo in the Heian Palace inner court is a consort's residence also called Shigeisha.
Standard kanji spelling for this historical term.
Variant kanji form using 壷 instead of 壺; less common but attested.
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.