An Anthology of Epitaphs from the Tang Dynasty, 618-907

FAIN: HR-50297-06

Ping Yao
California State University, Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA 90032-4226)

This project situates women at the center stage of the Tang Dynasty, examining both their collective gender identity and their everyday experiences in specific social, kinship, regional, and historical contexts. The intended result is a book-length manuscript combining approximately 75 full text translations of Tang epitaphs (mostly of women, but including a few of men for comparison) with detailed introduction and analysis. The emphasis will be placed on 1) women’s roles and identities; 2) women and religion; 3) practices related to gender systems; and 4) gender and Tang history. When completed, the book will provide the first collection of primary sources in English translation to focus on Chinese women during the Tang Dynasty.