Rinshi (fl. 900s)

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Rinshi (fl. 900s)

Japanese royal. Flourished in the 900s; married Fujiwara no Michinaga (966–1028, head of the famous Fujiwara family during their period of greatest power and influence), in 987; children: daughters Shoshi (fl. 990–1010), Kenshi, Ishi, and Kishi, and son Yorimichi (who became emperor).

In 987, Fujiwara no Michinaga took Rinshi, the daughter of a high-ranking court official, as his principal wife, and their union proved particularly fruitful. In addition to sons, Rinshi had several daughters, whom Michinaga was able to make good use of in improving his own position. As was the custom of the times, Michinaga eventually took a secondary wife or consort, a woman by the name of Meishi . Meishi had three children, daughter Kanshi and sons Yorimune and Yoshinobu.

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