Chinese Courtesan with Lotus Flower

In the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) these elegant, talented, yet “forbidden” women, now called mingji (prestigious prostitutes), became the fashionable women of their time, much like modern models and movie stars. Their cultivated skills in music, poetry, painting, calligraphy – fascinated wealthy businessmen, high officials, learned scholars, even prominent monks. Their would-be clients had to compete with each other for their favors. Women at all levels imitated their haughty manner, elegant clothes and elaborate hair styles.

The lotus’ importance comes from Buddhism, and is one of the eight precious things in Buddhism. The lotus is said to bloom in Beijing on lunar April 8 (the Buddha’s birthday) and lunar January 8 is Lotus Day.