The Confucian Critique of Zhang Chang's 'Painting Eyebrows for His Wife': A Case Study of Traditional Chinese Gender Roles

However, Zhang Chang is a traditional Chinese man from the Han Dynasty. According to traditional ethical views represented by Ban Gu and Li Han, 'painting eyebrows for a woman' can only indicate that Zhang Chang lacks dignity, and a person without dignity is not worthy of holding a high position. Although there may have been instances of excessive eyebrow painting in the inner chambers, a cultured man should not engage in such intimate behavior as 'painting eyebrows for a woman,' even within the inner chambers. 'There are three unfilial acts, and having no offspring is the greatest.' In order to have descendants, it is certainly necessary to engage in activities that may be considered excessive, but painting eyebrows is not acceptable.