Final answer:
Heian courtiers composed poetry that reflected sensitivity to beauty and good taste, incorporating the traditions of occasional poetry. The Heian period witnessed a cultural zenith where arts were pivotal to aristocratic identity, influenced by earlier Tang poetry, even as Japan distanced itself politically from the mainland.
Step-by-step explanation:
Heian courtiers were expected to write poetry that demonstrated their sensitivity to beauty and good taste, reflective of their aristocratic lifestyle. The Heian period was marked by a flourishing of arts and culture amidst political turmoil. Poetry, alongside other forms of artistic expression like painting, music, and dance, was integral to the courtly life and was expected to follow the refined aesthetic standards of the time. Poets were often judged not only on the content of their work but also on the elegance of their script and the subtle choices they made in presentation, such as the selection of paper sprayed with silver or gold. Heian-era poetry had to adhere to occasional poetry standards, fitting the proper social context and event, whether it be a birthday, funeral, or imperial sacrifice.
Tang influence was strong, even as the Heian court increasingly isolated itself from the mainland, with aristocrats continuing to recite and be inspired by the poetry of Tang poets. The art of poetry had deep social implications, serving to express individual style and enabling members of the elite to forge connections, record emotions, and critique or celebrate public and private events through the power of verse.