Leiden University Student Repository

Berkel, M.A.C. van (2017)

The changing portrayal of Yang Guifei's beauty: An analysis of female beauty ideals and the male gaze as reflected in the portrayal of Yang Guifei in Chinese literature from the Tang to the Qing dynasty

Master thesis | Asian Studies (60 EC) (MA)

Yang Guifei is considered to be one of China’s most beautiful women. Her beauty is portrayed in several Chinese historical and literary writings over the ages. Each generation of (mostly male) authors is influenced by the technique of the male gaze and imbued her with their own contemporary beauty ideals creating new, updated versions of Yang as the perfect beauty. Most of the descriptions of Yang Guifei’s beauty tend to be general and are applicable to any beautiful woman in premodern China. Trends that remain consistent through time are cloud-like hair, red cheeks and lips, a creamy bosom and a white skin. Changes in the portrayal of her beauty can be found in the way of presenting her physique and feet.

Yang Guifei

female beauty ideals

Male Gaze

Chinese literature

Author

Berkel, M.A.C. van

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Specialisation

East Asian Studies

Supervisors

Keijser, A.S.
Pieke, F.N.

ECTS Credits

15

Language

en