英文摘要 |
He Bai 何白 was a typical shanren 山人 (mountain hermit) of the late Ming period, in that he was a commoner who had not obtained any degree in the Imperial Examinations, but was remarkably talented in poetry and art. He also had a moderate personality, refraining himself from extreme actions, unlike some shanren who were notorious for their outrageous behavior. Since he had no opportunity to form companionships studying for the Imperial Civil Examinations, He Bai developed his network of social connections among local eminent figures and officials, and then extended it to provincial and even national levels. In middle-age, He Bai’s network of social connections enabled him to undertake several long-distance journeys which significantly widened his views of the world and made it possible for him to meet with poets in different areas of the Empire. Due to the economic prosperity, improved mobility and freedom of Neo-Confucian society during the late Ming period, the shanren flourished, and thanks to the participation of these energetic people, society became even more pluralistic and tolerant. From the case of He Bai, we learn about the colorful expeditions of a typical shanren and the role he played in that interesting society. |