Lin Yining was born in 1655, near the
Zhejiang section of the
Zhe River. Her father Lin Lun was a
jinshi, and her mother introduced her to classical Chinese literature. She was "very talented and could write poetry and prose"; additionally, Lin dabbled in
calligraphy and was "especially well-versed in drawing bamboo in ink and wash". She married , who worked at the local
censorate and was also acquainted with traditional
Chinese opera. While they were based in
Luoyang, the couple would write each other love poems that were later compiled into an anthology titled
Collected Works of Fengxiao Tower. Qian's mother, Gu Zhiqiong, was instrumental in bringing together talented female poets, and at her behest, the "Banana Garden Five" (), comprising Lin, Zhu Rouze,
Chai Jingyi, Qian Yunyi, and Xu Can, was formed. The group later became the Banana Garden Seven () and its roster was changed to include Lin, Qian, Mao Anfang, Feng Youling, Gu Jiji, Zhang Chayun, and Chai Jingyi. Lin penned the preface to
Hangzhou poet Liang Ying's
Every Fragrant Word that collects Liang's poems on
plum blossoms. A lost play titled
Wisteria Pass was allegedly written by Lin. Lin and Qian had two children a son, Qing, and a daughter, Tao, neither of whom, according to Lin herself, "dared" to take up Chinese literature. It is not known for certain when Lin Yining died, but the
Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women, citing an unspecified source, gives her death year as 1730. According to an entry on Lin Yining in
Women Writers of Traditional China, "Lin's poetry is distinguished by its direct and fluent diction, and vivid visual imagery". She is also praised for presenting her "personal interests" in her poetry, and not adhering to the "conventional themes and scenarios derived from
literati construction of feminine voices". ==References==