Emperor Wu Zhao and Her Pantheon of Devis, Divinities, and Dynastic Mothers

Wu Zhao, also known as Empress Wu, is the only woman to have ruled China as emperor over its 5,000-year history. She ascended the dragon throne by leveraging the cultural resonance of female divinities and eminent women, building a pantheon of female divinities to meet her court's needs and enhancing her authority. Her strategy is a model of political brilliance and demonstrates that medieval Chinese women enjoyed a more complex social status than previously known.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 12 December 2017
Publisher: Columbia University Press

Wu Zhao, also known as Wu Zetian or Empress Wu, stands as a remarkable figure in Chinese history, as she is the sole woman to have ruled China as an emperor throughout its illustrious 5,000-year span. How did she, in a predominantly patriarchal and androcentric society, ascend to the dragon throne? This intricate and captivating history unveils a mystery that has perplexed scholars for centuries, shedding light on the profound influence of China's rich tapestry of female deities and esteemed women in the construction of Wu Zhao's sovereignty.

Wu Zhao skillfully employed language, symbolism, and ideology to harness the cultural resonance, maternal power, divine energy, and historical significance of Buddhist devis, Confucian exemplars, Daoist immortals, and mythic goddesses. By strategically aligning herself with these powerful figures, Wu Zhao established legitimacy within and beyond the confines of Confucian ideology. She tapped into the deep reservoirs of female power, carefully constructing a pantheon of female divinities tailored to meet her specific needs at court. This pantheon was promoted through scripted rhetoric, reinforced through poetry, celebrated through theatrical productions, and etched onto steles. Rendered with exquisite political acumen and artistic flair, these affiliations significantly bolstered Wu Zhao's authority, portraying her as the human vessel through which the divine energy of the pantheon flowed.

Wu Zhao's strategy is a testament to her political brilliance and serves as evidence of the more complex social status enjoyed by medieval Chinese women than previously recognized. Her ascent to the throne not only challenged traditional gender roles but also showcased the remarkable achievements and contributions of women in Chinese society during that era. Wu Zhao's legacy continues to inspire and intrigue scholars, reminding us of the power of gender dynamics and the enduring impact of women's leadership in shaping history.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 224 x 144 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231169394