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Li Yu (, given name: ?? Xi?nl?; style name: ?? Lìw?ng) (1610...1680) was a Chinese playwright, novelist and publisher. Born in Rugao, he lived in late-Ming and early-Qing dynasties.

Li was an actor, producer, and director as well as a playwright, who traveled with his own troupe. His play F?ngzh?ng wù (???, "Errors caused by the Kite") remains a favourite of the Chinese Kun opera stage.

Li is the presumed author of Ròu pútuán (???, "The Carnal Prayer Mat"), a well-crafted comedy and a classic of Chinese erotic literature. He also wrote a book of short stories called Shí'èr lóu (???, "Twelve Towers"). In his time he was widely read, and appreciated for his daringly innovative subject matter. He broaches the topic of same-sex love in the tale Cuìy? lóu (???, "House of Gathered Refinements"). This is a theme which he revisits in the collection Wúsh?ng xì (???, "Silent Operas" i.e. "novels").

The famous painting manual Jieziyuan Huazhuan was prefaced and published by Li in Jinling.

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