Female Empowerment: Representation of the Kingdom of Women Through the Works of Qiu Ying

Abstract

Art is often a lens through which we view the past. There have been numerous works throughout history depicting women in matronly or subservient roles, yet few have showcased women as strong sovereign figures. Surprisingly, a significant example of female empowerment can be found in the scrolls of Qiu Ying, a prolific artist from the Ming dynasty. In one of his seminal works, Tribute Bearers, he illustrates various kingdoms honoring the emperor of China during the Tang dynasty. Among the ten groups represented is the little-known Kingdom of Women from Northern Thailand. This research examines Qiu’s representation of female leaders in Tribute Bearers as juxtaposed to his depiction of concubines in another of his well-known works, Spring Morning in the Han Palace. I explore the differences in Ying’s portrayal of women from the Kingdom of Women as compared to the archetypical female during the Ming dynasty. This research is significant as it shines a spotlight on the autonomous society of the Kingdom of Women. While there has been more exposure on matriarchal societies in recent years, Qiu Ying’s painting may be the first artistic representation of this unique female-led civilization.