The Life of Imperial Concubines and Maidens During the Tang Dynasty
In the imperial harem, regardless of how they were treated, concubines often lived in solitude.
Women’s Rights in the Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty in feudal China stood out for its relatively humanistic approach, especially in its treatment of women. Women had significant rights in marriage; if dissatisfied, they could initiate divorce, and negotiations were even allowed during the process. Women could also wear men’s clothing and, remarkably, could choose revealing attire that accentuated their physical beauty.
Treatment of Imperial Concubines
Under Emperor Zhongzong, the treatment of concubines was notably progressive. Concubines could establish private residences, access money and servants as needed, and were not required to stay in the palace all day to serve the emperor. The system for selecting concubines to share the emperor’s bed followed strict schedules and guidelines, reflecting a structured yet humanized approach in the feudal context.
To manage the vast number of imperial women, a hierarchical ranking system was implemented in the harem, categorizing concubines into eight ranks, akin to bureaucratic officials.
- First Rank: Empress and Noble Consorts
- Titles: Noble Consort, Virtuous Consort, Pure Consort, Worthy Consort.
- Second Rank: Nine Ladies-in-Waiting
- Titles: Lady of Bright Deportment, Lady of Bright Appearance, and more.
- Third Rank: Lady of Elegance.
- Fourth Rank: Lady of Beauty.
- Fifth Rank: Talented Lady.
- Sixth Rank: Treasure Keeper.
- Seventh Rank: Imperial Maid.
- Eighth Rank: Palace Woman.
The schedule for ranking assignments was arranged monthly, aligning with the lunar phases, symbolizing order and harmony.
Life of Palace Maidens
By the end of the Tang Dynasty, though changes occurred, the basic structure of the harem remained. Daily responsibilities for palace maidens were labor-intensive, involving tasks like embroidery, cooking, and cleaning. Higher-ranked maidens had administrative or ceremonial roles, while most had little to no interaction with the emperor or high-ranking consorts.
The recruitment process also influenced their status. Maidens selected from noble families had better opportunities, while those from common or criminal backgrounds were relegated to menial work. A few maidens were gifted by vassal states or officials, often possessing special talents that could elevate their status to concubines.
Education and Cultural Development
Despite the hardships, the Tang Dynasty emphasized education for palace maidens. A dedicated school within the palace provided training in literature, music, and arts, enhancing their cultural refinement. This focus on education produced figures like Shangguan Wan’er, a renowned poet and influential advisor to Empress Wu Zetian.
The Tang Dynasty’s approach to women and the imperial harem reflected a blend of humanism and hierarchy, making it a unique period in China’s feudal history.
Keywords: Tang Dynasty, imperial concubines, palace maidens, women’s rights, harem ranking system, feudal China, education for women, Empress Wu Zetian, Shangguan Wan’er.
