Lin Daiyu (courtesan)

Lin Daiyu (Chinese: 林黛玉; pinyin: Lín Dàiyù, c. 1865 – 1925) was a Chinese courtesan active in Shanghai during the Qing dynasty and early Republic of China. Many things about her early life are unknown, including her birth name and place of birth; her professional name was taken from the character in Cao Xueqin's novel Dream of the Red Chamber. By the end of the century Lin had risen to prominence in Shanghai's courtesan circles; she remained active until 1921. During her career, she presented an extravagant persona that included opulent clothing and heavy make-up, and received extensive coverage of her fashion and relationships. Newspapers presented her as a "bad girl" who crossed class lines and became a concubine to clear her debts. At the same time, Lin was framed as an icon of Shanghai's courtesan culture, such that an announcement for courtesan elections in 1917 was issued in her name.