Li Yu (Chinese: ??; pinyin: Li Y? given name: ?? Xianlu; style name: ?? L靪eng) (1610-1680 AD); also known as Li Liweng; was a Chinese playwright; novelist and publisher. Born in Rugao; in present day Jiangsu province; he lived in the late-Ming and early-Qing dynasties. Although he passed the first stage of the imperial exams; he did not succeed in passing the higher levels before the political turmoil of the new dynasty; but instead turned to writing for the market.

Li is the presumed author of R騯 p鷗u醤 (???; 'The Carnal Prayer Mat'). In his time he was widely read; and appreciated for his daringly innovative subject matter. He addresses the topic of same-sex love in the tale Cu靬a l髐 (???; 'House of Gathered Refinements'). Pictures From History