Common perceptions of women in ancient China often confine them to domestic roles, yet a striking new photography editorial from Marie Claire China, titled “Illustrated Guide to Twelve Ancient Female Professions,” boldly reimagines the diverse careers women actually held. From skilled perfumers and formidable warriors to captivating dancers, masterful painters, and expert potters, this spread challenges us to look beyond traditional narratives.

Historical research affirms that women’s contributions stretched far beyond the household. Many were vital to the economy, engaging in trade by selling food and produce, and running inns, particularly prominent during the Song dynasty. The textile industry, especially silk production, was heavily reliant on female labor, with women often producing goods to meet family tax obligations or for commercial sale.

Beyond crafts and commerce, women found their calling in the public sphere. The entertainment industry flourished with female singers, dancers, acrobats, and storytellers. Religious life offered another path, with Buddhist nunneries and Taoist temples providing spaces for spiritual and intellectual development for countless women.

Specialized roles like midwifery were exclusively female professions, essential for community health, and some women even served as secretaries to officials, showcasing their literacy and administrative skills. While rare, exceptional figures like Ban Zhao—China’s most famous female scholar and instructor of Taoist sexual practices for the imperial family—emerged as renowned scholars and court officials, demonstrating the intellectual prowess some women cultivated.

These rediscovered histories, celebrated by Marie Claire China, remind us that ancient Chinese women were not monolithic figures, but dynamic individuals who contributed significantly to their society in myriad ways.

All images via Marie Claire China.