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Kong Shangren

Type Figure Region China Time 1648–1718 Also known as Pinzhi、Dongtang、Antang

Early Qing litterateur and dramatist, a descendant of Confucius from Qufu. Entered office during the Kangxi reign, serving as Erudite of the Guozijia…

Timeline

  1. 1648–1668Qufu · ShandongBorn in Qufu, Shandong, into a family descended from the 64th generation of Confucius. Received a Confucian education in childhood, versed in poetry and prose, fond of music. Grew up in his hometown amid the warfare of the early Qing, gradually gaining literary renown.
  2. 1669–1684Beijing · BeijingTraveled to Beijing to sit for the examinations, then entered the Guozijian as an Erudite, teaching children of the Eight Banners. While in the capital, befriended prominent literary figures and began conceiving a drama based on Southern Ming stories.
  3. 1685–1699Nanjing · JiangsuOrdered to Jiangnan to expedite grain transport levies, sojourned in Nanjing, sought out elderly survivors of the Southern Ming, and collected anecdotes about Li Xiangjun, Hou Fangyu, and others. During this period completed the chuanqi drama Peach Blossom Fan, expressing feelings of rise and fall through a tale of parting and reunion.
  4. 1700–1718Qufu · ShandongDismissed from office and returned home after performances of Peach Blossom Fan caused controversy. In his later years lived in Qufu, writing books and teaching students, continuing his poetic and literary work; died in his hometown in 1718 at the age of seventy-one.

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