Title

Differentiation and Analysis of Li Zhizao’s Family Background and Life Experiences

Author

Wu, Guoyi  

Genre

Article  

Pages

641~671  

Download

PDF

Language

Chinese  

Key words

Li Zhizao, family background and life experiences, The Namelist of Graduates of the Palace Examination, lost essay, differentiation and analysis   

Abstract

        Until recently, scholars have known little about Li Zhizao 李之藻’s family background and life experiences. Due to some newly-discovered historical materials, however, current studies have made steady progress about these topics; nevertheless, some problems remain unsolved. Based on new facts found in The Namelist of Graduates of the Palace Examination of 1598 萬曆二十六年進士登科錄, The Collection of the Official Examiners’ Reports 會試錄 (both preserved in the Shanghai Library), and local annals, this article analyzes more details about Li Zhizao’s family background and examination career: his great-grandfather Li Rong 李榮’s official title; his grandfather’s name and official position; his father, Li Shixi 李師錫, and his adoption by other family members; his grandmother Chen 陳氏, who raised her children alone as a widow; the grandmother’s impact on Li Zhizao; his mother, Ying 應氏, and his wife, Xu 徐氏; Li’s rank in the civil service examination; his Song ancestor Li Bao 李寶 and his tomb. It also presents a newly discovered essay by Li, further enriching previous research on these issues.