Misty Flowers in a Floating World : Images of Courtesans in Ming Dynasty Nanjing

Chen, Jiani

Abstract

The Ming dynasty (1368-1644) witnessed a surge in enthusiasm for anthologizing and
compiling courtesans‘ writings, which diversified and vitalized the conventional poetic
theme of courtesans by presenting courtesans‘ images from perspectives of both self
and other. This dissertation maps the production, circulation, and reception of Ming
Nanjing courtesans‘ images in the broader context of a floating world which resulted
from the collapse of a fixed social hierarchy and encouraged the communication,
appropriation, and adaptation of diverse cultural productions in the Ming. After
identifying different layers of anthological space, this study traces the process of
anthology-construction with respect to collecting and editing source materials, setting
selective standards, and framing literary images within paratexts. Based on a spectral
survey of the writings and images of Ming Nanjing courtesans in anthologies ranging
from combined male and female writings to women‘s anthologies, chapter one
demonstrates that the anthologists strategically utilized transferability of amorous
imagination, aesthetic appreciation, poetic appraisal, and scholarly discussion to carve a
niche for courtesans within anthologies. By looking into the two courtesans‘ anthologies,
chapters two and three investigate images of Ming Nanjing courtesans which were
created through the dynamics of courtesans‘ writings, paratexts by male literati, and
categories and orders designed by compilers. I argue that courtesans‘ anthologies played
a leading role in establishing and developing the repertoire of Ming Nanjing courtesans‘
images and writings which had influence beyond regional and temporal realms. By
focusing on the compiling and anthologizing of the poetic works of a Ming Nanjing
courtesan, chapter four examines the epitome of an image which transforms from that of
a courtesan to gentry woman via its own volition. This image and others situated in
different historical contexts can ultimately stimulate novel appraisals of gender
relationships and their connection with political and social discourses in late imperial
China.

Citation

Chen, J. Misty Flowers in a Floating World : Images of Courtesans in Ming Dynasty Nanjing. (Thesis). SOAS, University of London

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 6, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: May 6, 2020
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.25501/SOAS.00032800
• Additional Information: Number of Pages : 223
• Award Date: Jan 1, 2018