Wang Shizhen (Wang Shih-chen) 1526-1590

Prolific poet and writer of the Ming dynasty and a dominant figure in Chinese literature of the late 16th century. Wang originally became involved with a literary circle led by Li Panlong which stressed the importance of modelling their work after masterpieces of the past. Wang's own writing eventually moved away from such conservative ideals, becoming more eclectic and open to Buddhist and Daoist influences.

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