Xue Tao

Xue Tao (薛濤, c. 768 – c. 831), also known as Ch'ih-hsia (赤霞), was a prominent Chinese poet of the Tang dynasty. She is considered one of the Four Talented Women of Sichuan, alongside Zhu Shuzhen, Huang E, and Hua Rui. Xue Tao was known for her skill in poetry, her unconventional life, and her invention of the "Xue Tao笺" (Xue Tao stationery), a small, elegantly decorated paper used for writing poems and letters.

Born in Chang'an (present-day Xi'an), Xue Tao's family was exiled to Chengdu when her father, a minor official, was demoted. After his death, Xue Tao became a courtesan in Chengdu, a profession that allowed her to use her intelligence and wit to attract and entertain prominent officials and literary figures. Despite her social position, she gained recognition for her talent and intellect, forming friendships with many influential men, including the military governor Wei Gao, who protected and supported her.

Xue Tao’s poetry is characterized by its emotional depth, subtle imagery, and sophisticated use of language. Her works often explore themes of love, loss, nature, and the complexities of a woman's life in Tang dynasty China. While many of her poems addressed specific individuals or occasions, they also reflect universal human experiences. Approximately 90 of her poems have survived.

Later in life, Xue Tao left the courtesan life and lived in a hermitage near Chengdu, where she devoted herself to writing and Daoist practices. She is remembered as a talented poet and a woman who challenged social norms through her intellect and artistry.