Direct philosophical opposite of
阳刚 (yánggāng, 'yang-strong / masculine vigor'). The
阴柔/
阳刚 pair comes from yin-yang aesthetics. Qing scholar
姚鼐 used it to classify literary styles, and modern Chinese still applies it to art, music, and personal demeanor. Note
阴柔 describes style, not necessarily gender. Male artists can be praised for
阴柔之美.
