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Li Dan was a prominent early 17th century Chinese merchant. Sometimes known by the Western name Andrea Dittis, he was originally from [[Quanzhou]] in Fujian province.
Li Dan was a prominent early 17th century Chinese merchant. Sometimes known by the Western name Andrea Dittis, he was originally from [[Quanzhou]] in Fujian province.
Li operated out of [[Manila]] for a time before moving to [[Hirado]], in Japan, and becoming a part of the ''[[shuinsen]]'' trade, with a formal vermillion seal license from the [[Tokugawa shogunate]]. Prior to becoming a more honest trader, he was a ''[[wako|wakô]]'' leader and prominent smuggler of deerskins and venison,<ref>Matt Matsuda, ''Pacific Worlds'', University of Cambridge Press (2012), 108.</ref> but he eventually put that behind him. He served as the head of the Chinese community in Hirado, and maintained a residence in the [[British East India Company|English]] sector of the city. He had particularly close relationships with members of the [[Matsuura clan]], as well as with the ''[[Nagasaki bugyo|Nagasaki bugyô]]'' and other shogunal officials.
Li operated out of [[Manila]] for a time before moving to [[Hirado]], in Japan, and becoming a part of the ''[[shuinsen]]'' trade, with a formal vermillion seal license from the [[Tokugawa shogunate]]. Prior to becoming a more honest trader, he was a ''[[wako|wakô]]'' leader and prominent smuggler of deerskins and venison,<ref>Matt Matsuda, ''Pacific Worlds'', University of Cambridge Press (2012), 108.</ref> but he eventually put that behind him. He served as the head of the Chinese community in Hirado, and maintained a residence in the [[British East India Company|English]] sector of the city. He had particularly close relationships with members of the [[Matsura clan]], as well as with the ''[[Nagasaki bugyo|Nagasaki bugyô]]'' and other shogunal officials.
Following his death, Li Dan's business was inherited by [[Zheng Zhilong]], along with his role in the community.
Following his death, Li Dan's business was inherited by [[Zheng Zhilong]], along with his role in the community.