This thesis seeks to shed light on the status and roles of courtesans in the late Ming dynasty (16th and 17th centuries). The change in the social status of courtesans in the late Ming dynasty, due to which their popularity began to grow, will be presented. As a result, of this change, they also began to work with scholars. Many of the roles that they have played will be described and their achievements in the field of art and literature highlighted. The first part will explain the historical framework of the late Ming dynasty, the work of courtesans in the Chinese tradition, and the change in their status and roles. The second part will outline the roles played by courtesans in the artistic and literary world of the Ming dynasty. Areas of more detailed presentation will be painting, literature and music. The sources of the studies, the reasons for the popularity of a certain field and the role and contribution of courtesans in these three fields will be presented in detail.
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