Four Beauties

Changzhou combs

Four Beauties are four ancient Chinese women renowned for their beauty. These women not only significantly influenced Chinese history but also embody the ideal of feminine beauty in Chinese culture. They are often mentioned in Chinese literature, art, and folklore. The Four Beauties lived in different dynasties, each becoming a legend in her own time.

The Four Beauties

The Four Beauties are:

• Xi Shi (Spring and Autumn period): Xi Shi's beauty was said to be so entrancing that fish would forget to swim and sink away from the surface when she looked into the water. She was involved in a plan by the King of Yue to overthrow the King of Wu by distracting him with her beauty.

• Wang Zhaojun (Han Dynasty): Wang Zhaojun was one of the "Four Beauties" who was said to be so beautiful that birds in flight would fall from the sky when they saw her. She was chosen to be a concubine for the Xiongnu chieftain in a political marriage, which helped to establish peace between the Han Dynasty and the Xiongnu tribe.

• Diao Chan (Three Kingdoms): Diao Chan is celebrated for her role in the downfall of the tyrant Dong Zhuo. She was said to be so lovely that the moon would shy away in embarrassment when compared to her beauty. Diao Chan used her beauty to turn Dong Zhuo and his adoptive son, Lü Bu, against each other, leading to Dong Zhuo's death.

• Yang Guifei (Tang Dynasty): Yang Guifei's beauty is said to have been so great that it caused the downfall of the Tang Dynasty. She became the favorite concubine of Emperor Xuanzong, and her influence over him was so strong that it led to a rebellion. Her story is famously depicted in the poem "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow".

Cultural Significance

The tales of the Four Beauties have been used to illustrate various moral lessons and cultural values. They are often depicted in Chinese art, literature, and opera. Their stories emphasize the power of beauty to influence the course of history, for better or worse, and they also reflect the historical context of their times, including the roles of women in Chinese society.

In Literature and Art

The Four Beauties have been subjects of numerous literary works and paintings throughout Chinese history. Their stories have been romanticized and dramatized, serving as inspiration for countless poets, artists, and playwrights. They are symbols of idealized feminine beauty and have been used to convey moral lessons about the dangers of vanity, the power of beauty, and the importance of virtue.

Legacy

The legacy of the Four Beauties continues to influence modern Chinese culture. They are referenced in popular culture, including films, television shows, and literature. Their stories are taught in schools as part of Chinese history and literature, and they remain a popular subject for traditional Chinese art and opera.

See Also

• Chinese history
• Chinese literature
• Chinese art
• Women in ancient China