The Beauty Standards of Tang Dynasty Women: The Thicker, The Better

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Introduction:

The Tang Dynasty was a significant period in Chinese history, known for its prosperity and cultural achievements. One interesting aspect of this period is the beauty standards of Tang Dynasty women. Unlike modern beauty standards, a plump figure was considered the epitome of beauty for women in Tang Dynasty society. This paper will explore the factors that influenced this unique aesthetic preference.

First, One factor that influenced the beauty standards of Tang Dynasty women was the prosperity of the period. Tang society was relatively affluent, and a fuller figure was seen as a symbol of health, wealth, and good fortune. Women who were plump were viewed as being well-fed and cared for, which was highly desirable. In contrast, thinness was associated with poverty and illness. For these reasons, a plump figure was considered beautiful.

Example: Some literary works from the Tang Dynasty, such as “The Story of Yingying” and “A Dream of Red Mansions,” depicted women with a plump figure, highlighting the beauty and attractiveness of such figures.

Second, Another factor that contributed to the beauty standards of Tang Dynasty women was the male-dominated nature of the society. Men were considered the core of society, and their preferences and desires were highly valued. Women who had a curvaceous figure were seen as more feminine and alluring, which was considered attractive to men. This led to a cultural emphasis on a fuller figure for women, as it was believed to be in line with male aesthetic preferences.

Example: Some Tang Dynasty poets, such as Liu Yuxi and Bai Juyi, wrote poems that praised women’s plumpness and expressed their admiration for women with a fuller figure.

Third, It’s important to note that the beauty standards of Tang Dynasty women are very different from contemporary standards. In modern society, a slim and toned figure is often considered the epitome of beauty, whereas plumpness is often seen as unattractive. However, there are some similarities between Tang Dynasty beauty standards and modern ideals. For example, both value healthy and radiant skin and a symmetrical facial structure.

Example: Many beauty products in modern China promote healthy and radiant skin as a key element of beauty, a feature that was also valued in Tang Dynasty society.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the beauty standards of Tang Dynasty women are unique and reflect the cultural values and aesthetic preferences of the period. A plump figure was seen as desirable and beautiful, reflecting the prosperity and male-dominated nature of Tang society. While modern beauty standards are different, there are some similarities in terms of valuing healthy skin and facial symmetry. Overall, the beauty standards of Tang Dynasty women provide an interesting insight into the cultural and historical context of the period.

References:

• “The Beauty Standards of Tang Dynasty Women: The Thicker, The Better”. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/beauty-standards-tang-dynasty-women
• “Tang Dynasty Women: Plump was Beautiful”. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/tang-dynasty-women-plump-beautiful
• “A comparison of beauty standards: Tang Dynasty vs modern times”. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/beauty-standards-comparison