# Jin Ping Mei

> 1610 Chinese naturalistic novel

**Wikidata**: [Q753535](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q753535)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jin_Ping_Mei)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jin-ping-mei

## Summary
*Jin Ping Mei* is a 1610 Chinese naturalistic novel, one of the Four Great Masterworks of classical Chinese literature. Written under the pseudonym Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng, it is known for its realistic portrayal of human emotions and social dynamics, though it also includes erotic elements, classifying it as erotica.

## Key Facts
- **Literary work**: A written work read for enjoyment or edification.
- **Ming dynasty**: Composed during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644).
- **Erotica**: Includes substantively erotic subject matter.
- **Author**: Written by Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng, a pseudonym of an unknown author.
- **Four Great Masterworks**: Part of the four classical Chinese novels.
- **Aliases**: Includes *The Plum in the Golden Vase*, *Plum in the Golden Vase*, *Golden Lotus*, *Jinpingmei*, and *The Golden Lotus*.
- **Inception**: Completed in 1610.
- **Publication date**: Originally published in 67 CE (though the exact date is uncertain).
- **Wikipedia title**: *Jin Ping Mei*.
- **Sitelink count**: 38 (indicating its prominence in online references).

## FAQs
**What is the genre of *Jin Ping Mei*?**
*Jin Ping Mei* is a naturalistic novel with erotic elements, making it part of the erotica genre.

**Who wrote *Jin Ping Mei*?**
The novel is attributed to Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng, a pseudonym of an unknown author.

**When was *Jin Ping Mei* written?**
It was completed in 1610 during the Ming dynasty.

**Is *Jin Ping Mei* part of a larger collection?**
Yes, it is one of the Four Great Masterworks of classical Chinese literature.

**What are some alternative names for *Jin Ping Mei*?**
It is also known as *The Plum in the Golden Vase*, *Plum in the Golden Vase*, *Golden Lotus*, *Jinpingmei*, and *The Golden Lotus*.

## Why It Matters
*Jin Ping Mei* is significant as a foundational work in Chinese literature, blending realism with erotic themes. As part of the Four Great Masterworks, it reflects the cultural and literary trends of the Ming dynasty. Its inclusion of erotic content, though controversial, highlights the novel’s role in exploring human emotions and social dynamics. The work remains a key text in the study of classical Chinese literature and its historical context.

## Notable For
- One of the Four Great Masterworks of classical Chinese literature.
- A naturalistic novel with erotic elements, distinguishing it from purely moralistic works.
- Completed in 1610, marking its place in Ming dynasty literature.
- Attributed to Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng, a pseudonym of an unknown author.
- Includes multiple aliases, reflecting its cultural significance and historical references.

## Body
### **Literary Classification**
*Jin Ping Mei* is classified as a literary work, specifically a novel, written for enjoyment and edification. It is also part of the erotica genre due to its erotic subject matter.

### **Historical Context**
The novel was written during the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), a period marked by significant cultural and political developments in China. Its completion in 1610 places it within the later stages of the dynasty.

### **Authorship and Pseudonym**
The author is unknown, but the work is attributed to Lanling Xiaoxiao Sheng, a pseudonym. This pseudonym reflects the tradition of anonymous or pseudonymous authorship in classical Chinese literature.

### **Canonical Status**
*Jin Ping Mei* is part of the Four Great Masterworks, a collection of four classical Chinese novels. This classification underscores its importance in Chinese literary history.

### **Alternative Titles**
The novel is known by multiple aliases, including *The Plum in the Golden Vase*, *Plum in the Golden Vase*, *Golden Lotus*, *Jinpingmei*, and *The Golden Lotus*. These variations highlight its cultural and historical references.

### **Publication and Reception**
The original publication date is uncertain, but it is often cited as 67 CE, though this may be a misattribution. The novel’s inclusion of erotic themes has led to debates about its classification and reception.

### **Cultural Impact**
As a naturalistic novel, *Jin Ping Mei* reflects the social and emotional realities of its time. Its inclusion in the Four Great Masterworks ensures its continued study and appreciation in Chinese literary scholarship.

## References

1. Jin Ping Mei
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Q136534809
5. 第一回　西門慶熱結十弟兄　武二郎冷遇親哥嫂. Xinke Xiuxiang Piping Jin Ping Mei
6. 第一百回　韓愛姐路遇二搗鬼　普靜師幻度孝哥兒. Xinke Xiuxiang Piping Jin Ping Mei
7. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
8. Goodreads