Gao Xu
Encyclopedia
Gao Xu was a Chinese
poet
, writer
, revolutionary
, political activist. Gao is one of the three founders of the South Society
which was the largest organization of literature and poetry during the late Qing Dynasty
China and the early period of the Republic of China
. Gao is also one of the founding members of Tongmenghui
led by Sun Yat-sen
.
, Shanghai
) to a local prominent family, Gao's courtesy name
(zì) was Tainmei (天梅). He also used some other courtesy names like Huiyun (慧雲) and Dunjian (鈍劍), and was called Jiangong (劍公) by his close friends. In modern literatue, Gao was commonly recorded as Gao Tianmei (高天梅, Pinyin: Gāo Tiān Méi, Wade-Giles: Kao T`ien-Mei / Kao Tien-Mei).
Beginning in 1898, Gao had been heavily influenced by the philosophies of Liang Qichao
and Kang Youwei
. Gao rendered his full support to Hundred Days' Reform
by writing and publishing articles in various magazines. He co-founded the Juemin Society (覺民社), an influential revolutionary and literature organization, together with his uncle Gao Xie
(高燮) and younger brother Gao Zeng (高增) in 1903 in his hometown Jinshan.
Gao went to study politics and law in Hosei University
, Japan in 1904, and became a member of Tongmenghui
in Tokyo
. He was one of the first members of Tongmenghui. Gao led Tongmenghui's branch in Jiangsu
and was the provincial Director-general
(主盟人). Gao returned to Shanghai in 1906 where he founded Jianxing Gongxue (健行公學), a private school in Songjiang (currently Songjiang District
, Shanghai). Gao soon had to dissociate his school because of the high pressure from the government. Gao also founded a women's school
- Qinming Women's School (欽明女校) in Liuxi (留溪).
After the Xinhai Revolution
, Gao became a governmental official and was the director of the legislative bureau in Jianshan. Gao was elected Member of the House of Representatives
of the Republic of China in 1912, and was invited to join the congress
in Beiping (now Beijing
). In Beiping, Gao was disappointed by Yuan Shikai
's policies therefore refused firmly to cooperate with him and his cabinet
. Immediately after Yuan's death in 1916, Gao was invited to Beiping again. However, the Parliament was soon dissociated and Gao went back to Shanghai.
Gao co-founded the South Society on 13 November 1909 with Chen Qubing (陳去病, 1874–1933, a native from Suzhou
) and Liu Yazi (柳亞子, 1887－1958, also a native from Suzhou). The society gained huge influence and popularity in 1910s and 1920s. It became the largest literature and poetry society during that period time in China. His uncle Gao Xie
(高燮) and nephew Yao Guang (姚光) were also leading figures of the society.
Gao founded several then-influential magazines, including:
and Song
poets. According to himself, Gao was also influenced by Huang Zunxian
, another famous poet during the late Qing Dynasty. Gao also wrote many poems related to Japanese society while he was studying and traveling in Japan in 1904.
Gao's relatives:
Chinese people
The term Chinese people may refer to any of the following:*People with Han Chinese ethnicity ....
poet
Poet
A poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
, writer
Writer
A writer is a person who produces literature, such as novels, short stories, plays, screenplays, poetry, or other literary art. Skilled writers are able to use language to portray ideas and images....
, revolutionary
Revolutionary
A revolutionary is a person who either actively participates in, or advocates revolution. Also, when used as an adjective, the term revolutionary refers to something that has a major, sudden impact on society or on some aspect of human endeavor.-Definition:...
, political activist. Gao is one of the three founders of the South Society
South Society
The South Society , was the largest literature and poetry organization during the late Qing Dynasty China and the early period of the Republic of China....
which was the largest organization of literature and poetry during the late Qing Dynasty
Qing Dynasty
The Qing Dynasty was the last dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912 with a brief, abortive restoration in 1917. It was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China....
China and the early period of the Republic of China
Republic of China
The Republic of China , commonly known as Taiwan , is a unitary sovereign state located in East Asia. Originally based in mainland China, the Republic of China currently governs the island of Taiwan , which forms over 99% of its current territory, as well as Penghu, Kinmen, Matsu and other minor...
. Gao is also one of the founding members of Tongmenghui
Tongmenghui
The Tongmenghui, also known as the Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance and United Allegiance Society, was a secret society and underground resistance movement formed when merging many Chinese revolutionary groups together by Sun Yat-sen, Song...
led by Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen
Sun Yat-sen was a Chinese doctor, revolutionary and political leader. As the foremost pioneer of Nationalist China, Sun is frequently referred to as the "Father of the Nation" , a view agreed upon by both the People's Republic of China and the Republic of China...
.
Biography
Born in Zhangyan Village (張堰鎮), Jinshan, Jiangsu Province (currently Jinshan DistrictJinshan District
Jinshan District of Shanghai is neighbouring Zhejiang and near Hangzhou Bay. It has a land area of 586.14 km² and a population 536,900 as of 2001....
, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
) to a local prominent family, Gao's courtesy name
Chinese style name
A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name , is a given name to be used later in life. After 20 years of age, the zì is assigned in place of one's given name as a symbol of adulthood and respect...
(zì) was Tainmei (天梅). He also used some other courtesy names like Huiyun (慧雲) and Dunjian (鈍劍), and was called Jiangong (劍公) by his close friends. In modern literatue, Gao was commonly recorded as Gao Tianmei (高天梅, Pinyin: Gāo Tiān Méi, Wade-Giles: Kao T`ien-Mei / Kao Tien-Mei).
Beginning in 1898, Gao had been heavily influenced by the philosophies of Liang Qichao
Liang Qichao
Liang Qichao |Styled]] Zhuoru, ; Pseudonym: Rengong) was a Chinese scholar, journalist, philosopher and reformist during the Qing Dynasty , who inspired Chinese scholars with his writings and reform movements...
and Kang Youwei
Kang Youwei
Kang Youwei , was a Chinese scholar, noted calligrapher and prominent political thinker and reformer of the late Qing Dynasty. He led movements to establish a constitutional monarchy and was an ardent Chinese nationalist. His ideas inspired a reformation movement that was supported by the Guangxu...
. Gao rendered his full support to Hundred Days' Reform
Hundred Days' Reform
The Hundred Days' Reform was a failed 104-day national cultural, political and educational reform movement from 11 June to 21 September 1898 in late Qing Dynasty China. It was undertaken by the young Guangxu Emperor and his reform-minded supporters...
by writing and publishing articles in various magazines. He co-founded the Juemin Society (覺民社), an influential revolutionary and literature organization, together with his uncle Gao Xie
Gao Xie
Gao Xie , was a notable Chinese scholar, calligraphist, traditional painter, publisher, poet, writer, and book collector.-Biography:...
(高燮) and younger brother Gao Zeng (高增) in 1903 in his hometown Jinshan.
Gao went to study politics and law in Hosei University
Hosei University
is a private university based in Tokyo, Japan.The university originated in a school of law, Tōkyō Hōgakusha , established in 1880, and the following year renamed Tōkyō Hōgakkō . This was from 1883 headed by Dr. Gustave Emile Boissonade, and was heavily influenced by the French legal tradition...
, Japan in 1904, and became a member of Tongmenghui
Tongmenghui
The Tongmenghui, also known as the Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance and United Allegiance Society, was a secret society and underground resistance movement formed when merging many Chinese revolutionary groups together by Sun Yat-sen, Song...
in Tokyo
Tokyo
, ; officially , is one of the 47 prefectures of Japan. Tokyo is the capital of Japan, the center of the Greater Tokyo Area, and the largest metropolitan area of Japan. It is the seat of the Japanese government and the Imperial Palace, and the home of the Japanese Imperial Family...
. He was one of the first members of Tongmenghui. Gao led Tongmenghui's branch in Jiangsu
Jiangsu
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country. The name comes from jiang, short for the city of Jiangning , and su, for the city of Suzhou. The abbreviation for this province is "苏" , the second character of its name...
and was the provincial Director-general
Director-general
The term director-general is a title given the highest executive officer within a governmental, statutory, NGO, third sector or not-for-profit institution.-European Union:...
(主盟人). Gao returned to Shanghai in 1906 where he founded Jianxing Gongxue (健行公學), a private school in Songjiang (currently Songjiang District
Songjiang District
Songjiang District of Shanghai has a land area of 605.64 km² and a population of 1,582,398 as of 2010. Its main town is Songjiang, connected to Shanghai by Shanghai Metro Line 9.It was Songjiang County until 1998.-Significant Features:...
, Shanghai). Gao soon had to dissociate his school because of the high pressure from the government. Gao also founded a women's school
Female education
Female education is a catch-all term for a complex of issues and debates surrounding education for females. It includes areas of gender equality and access to education, and its connection to the alleviation of poverty...
- Qinming Women's School (欽明女校) in Liuxi (留溪).
After the Xinhai Revolution
Xinhai Revolution
The Xinhai Revolution or Hsinhai Revolution, also known as Revolution of 1911 or the Chinese Revolution, was a revolution that overthrew China's last imperial dynasty, the Qing , and established the Republic of China...
, Gao became a governmental official and was the director of the legislative bureau in Jianshan. Gao was elected Member of the House of Representatives
House of Representatives
House of Representatives is the name of legislative bodies in many countries and sub-national states. In some countries, the House of Representatives is the lower house of a bicameral legislature, with the corresponding upper house often called a "senate". In other countries, the House of...
of the Republic of China in 1912, and was invited to join the congress
Congress
A congress is a formal meeting of the representatives of different nations, constituent states, independent organizations , or groups....
in Beiping (now Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
). In Beiping, Gao was disappointed by Yuan Shikai
Yuan Shikai
Yuan Shikai was an important Chinese general and politician famous for his influence during the late Qing Dynasty, his role in the events leading up to the abdication of the last Qing Emperor of China, his autocratic rule as the second President of the Republic of China , and his short-lived...
's policies therefore refused firmly to cooperate with him and his cabinet
Cabinet (government)
A Cabinet is a body of high ranking government officials, typically representing the executive branch. It can also sometimes be referred to as the Council of Ministers, an Executive Council, or an Executive Committee.- Overview :...
. Immediately after Yuan's death in 1916, Gao was invited to Beiping again. However, the Parliament was soon dissociated and Gao went back to Shanghai.
Gao co-founded the South Society on 13 November 1909 with Chen Qubing (陳去病, 1874–1933, a native from Suzhou
Suzhou
Suzhou , previously transliterated as Su-chou, Suchow, and Soochow, is a major city located in the southeast of Jiangsu Province in Eastern China, located adjacent to Shanghai Municipality. The city is situated on the lower reaches of the Yangtze River and on the shores of Taihu Lake and is a part...
) and Liu Yazi (柳亞子, 1887－1958, also a native from Suzhou). The society gained huge influence and popularity in 1910s and 1920s. It became the largest literature and poetry society during that period time in China. His uncle Gao Xie
Gao Xie
Gao Xie , was a notable Chinese scholar, calligraphist, traditional painter, publisher, poet, writer, and book collector.-Biography:...
(高燮) and nephew Yao Guang (姚光) were also leading figures of the society.
Gao founded several then-influential magazines, including:
- Juemin (《覺民》, founded in 1903, official publication of the Juemin Society),
- Jiangsu (《江蘇》), named after Jiangsu Province,
- Xingshi (《醒獅》, founded in 1905).
Poetry
Gao gained fame for his poems. His style is close to those of TangTang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
and Song
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
poets. According to himself, Gao was also influenced by Huang Zunxian
Huang Zunxian
Huang Zunxian , courtesy name Gongdu , was a Chinese writer and poet, active during the late Qing Dynasty. He was born in Chia-ying, now Mei County, Guangdong, and died 57 years later in the same place.-Biography:...
, another famous poet during the late Qing Dynasty. Gao also wrote many poems related to Japanese society while he was studying and traveling in Japan in 1904.
See also
- TongmenghuiTongmenghuiThe Tongmenghui, also known as the Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance and United Allegiance Society, was a secret society and underground resistance movement formed when merging many Chinese revolutionary groups together by Sun Yat-sen, Song...
- South SocietySouth SocietyThe South Society , was the largest literature and poetry organization during the late Qing Dynasty China and the early period of the Republic of China....
Gao's relatives:
- Gao XieGao XieGao Xie , was a notable Chinese scholar, calligraphist, traditional painter, publisher, poet, writer, and book collector.-Biography:...
(Gao's uncle), a notable writer, poet, artist, publisher, book and antique collector. - Ping-Tse KaoPing-Tse KaoPing-Tse Kao was a Chinese astronomer. He was entirely self-taught in this field. The crater Kao on the Moon is named in his honor....
, an astronomer, the Kao (crater)Kao (crater)Kao is a small lunar crater that is located near the eastern limb of the Moon. It lies near the southern edge of the Mare Smythii, a lunar mare that continues onto the far side of the surface. This crater lies to the east-southeast of the crater Widmannstätten...
is named after him. - Charles K. KaoCharles K. KaoThe Honorable Sir Charles Kuen Kao, GBM, KBE, FRS, FREng is a pioneer in the development and use of fiber optics in telecommunications...
, pioneer of fiber optics and fiber-optic communicationFiber-optic communicationFiber-optic communication is a method of transmitting information from one place to another by sending pulses of light through an optical fiber. The light forms an electromagnetic carrier wave that is modulated to carry information...
, Nobel Prize in PhysicsNobel Prize in PhysicsThe Nobel Prize in Physics is awarded once a year by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It is one of the five Nobel Prizes established by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895 and awarded since 1901; the others are the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Nobel Prize in Literature, Nobel Peace Prize, and...
recipient in 2009.