Gao Lian

Who is Gao Lian?

Gao Lian, was Chinese writer, dramatist and encyclopedist.

Gao Lian was born in Qiantang. His courtesy name was Shenfu and his pseudonym was Ruinan Daoren. He is known to have written the plays Jiexiaoji and Yuzanji. Of the two, he is most noted for latter, a romantic drama about a young impoverished scholar and a Daoist nun. The piece remains a classic of the Ming period theater in thirty-three scenes, some of which are still performed today. In his discussion of mental illness, successfully diagnosed the condition now known as Bipolar Disorder. Interestingly Gao advised his readers to avoid abortion and show concern for the elderly and physically weak. He suggested we attach ourselves to a major religious system or our inner emptiness will invite some manner of physical disease. Gao suggests he was a resident of Hangzhou and its celebrated West Lake with his area details. His works is a virtual treasure trove for early 17th century aesthetics and material culture such as garden architecture, tea culture and dwarf trees. The above items were additional examples of his overall aim at the maintenance of bodily health through a quiet enjoyment of human life