Dorothy Ko

About the Author

Dorothy Ko is a distinguished historian and scholar of Chinese history, renowned for her innovative explorations of gender, culture, and material life in early modern China. With a PhD from Stanford University, she has held positions at prestigious institutions including Rutgers University and Columbia University, where she continues to influence the field through her interdisciplinary approach. Ko's research delves into the intersections of women's experiences, artisanal practices, and scholarly traditions, challenging conventional narratives with meticulous archival work and cultural analysis. Her acclaimed books, including 'Cinderella's Sisters: A Revisionist History of Footbinding,' 'Every Step a Lotus: Shoes for Bound Feet,' and 'The Social Life of Inkstones: Artisans and Scholars in Early Qing China (A Study of the Weatherhead East Asian Institute of Columbia University),' illuminate the everyday objects and rituals that shaped Chinese society, earning her widespread recognition for blending history with poignant storytelling.