Ideal Chinese Masculinity Prior to Wen-wu: Some Toughts on the Caizi Jia Baoyu Kam Louie University of New South Wales and University of Hong Kong Abstract Using Jia Baoyu, the protagonist of Honglou meng (Dream of the Red Chamber), as an exemplar for the caizi 才子 (talented scholar) ideal, this article argues that Baoyu has been the pinup boy for centuries in China because he provides a sexy counterpoint to the junzi 君子 (Confucian gentleman). In my previous work, I have demonstrated that in traditional Chinese culture, the wen-wu 文武 paradigm defnes the ideal man as one who excels in wen-wu attributes (with wen more often being associated with the junzi), enabling him to hold power and become a pillar of society. Tese ideal men pride themselves on mastering the self-control that is a prerequisite to controlling others. By examining Baoyu, this article explores the sexual relationships of the caizi, the not-yet-gentleman, and how Baoyu could be seen as someone who does not have to exert self-control, so that he can indulge in all the privileges that his social position afords him. As such, this article serves as a prequel to the story of the ideal man who has attained wen-wu credentials. Keywords Chinese masculinity • Wen-wu (cultural-martial) • Caizi (talented scholar) • Jia Baoyu • Honglou meng (Dream of the Red Chamber)