Dangerous Women: Warriors, Grannies, and Geishas of the Ming

Grannies, geishas, warriors, mystics, recluses, and predators\_these are the dangerous women of traditional China. Through her exploration of the myth and history of the Ming, Victoria B. Cass brings their world brilliantly to life. In a culture that is resoundingly patriarchal, these women are a vivid counterpoint. Violating state-sponsored orthodoxies, the granny mocks and mimics, the geisha charms with her intellect, the warrior rules in icy superiority. Using new and freshly interpreted sources, the author leads us confidently into this surprising world, bolstering her erudite and engaging text with stunning color and black and white art of the period. Contents 7 List of Figures and Color Plates 9 Preface 11 Acknowledgments 13 Note on the Sources and on Translation 15 Timeline of Dynasties 19 Chapter One. Background: The Great Ming, 1368-1644 21 Chapter Two. Geishas 45 Chapter Three. Grannies 67 Chapter Four. Warriors and Mystics 85 Chapter Five. Predators 107 Chapter Six. Recluses and Malcontents 131 Chapter Seven. Conclusion 147 Notes 151 Preface 151 Chapter One. Background: The Great Ming 151 Chapter Two. Geishas 154 Chapter Three. Grannies 157 Chapter Four. Warriors and Mystics 159 Chapter Five. Predators 161 Chapter Six. Recluses and Malcontents 162 Chapter Seven. Conclusion 163 English Sources 165 Bibliography of Chinese and Japanese Sources 173 About the Author 182 Grannies, geishas, warriors, mystics, recluses and predators - these are the dangerous women of traditional China. Through her exploration of the myth and history of the Ming, Victoria Cass seeks to bring their world to life. In a culture that is resoundingly patriarchal, these women are a vivid counterpoint. Violating state-sponsored orthodoxies, the granny mocks and mimics, the geisha charms with her intellect, the warrior rules in icy superiority. Using interpreted resources, the author leads us into this surprising world, complementing her text with colour and black-and-white illustrations of the art of the period