The Tang dynasty (618–907 CE) is often regarded as the golden age of classical Chinese poetry, celebrated for its exceptional cultural and literary achievements. Tang poetry remains a cornerstone of Chinese literature, attracting both scholars and enthusiasts for centuries. Among the many poetic forms of the era, the Chinese quatrain holds a special place for its brevity and depth. This blog delves into the beauty of the Chinese quatrain through Tang shi jue ju lei xuan (唐詩絶句類選), a selection of Tang poems available in our Chinese Rare Books Collection.
About the Book
The Tang shi jue ju lei xuan (唐詩絶句類選) is a four-volume anthology compiled during the Ming dynasty (Chongzhen reign, 1628–1644 CE) by Ling Yun, based on Ao Ying’s earlier work, Lei bian Tang shi qi yan jue ju (類編唐詩七言絕句). This collection is distinctive for its integration of commentary from various scholars, making it a valuable resource for understanding the literary and cultural contexts of Tang quatrains.
Tang shi jue ju lei xuan: si juan [volume 01]; 唐詩絶句類選: 四卷 [第一冊], Preface, pages 22-23
What is a Chinese Quatrain?
The Chinese quatrain, or jueju (絕句), is a poetic form known for its concise structure and rhythmic elegance. Each quatrain comprises four lines, often written in either five-character (wuyan) or seven-character (qiyan) formats. The latter, featured prominently in Tang shi jue ju lei xuan, exemplifies the widely cherished style of Tang poetry.
This format challenges poets to convey profound meaning within strict syllabic and tonal constraints, creating a balance between simplicity and emotional resonance. Quatrains often include vivid imagery, cultural metaphors, and philosophical reflections, which are both a delight and a challenge for translators due to their rhyme and cultural significance.
Frontier Poems
One of the recurring themes in Tang quatrains is frontier poetry (bian sai shi, 邊塞詩), which reflects the Tang dynasty’s military campaigns and the lives of soldiers stationed at distant borders. These poems capture the rugged landscapes of the frontier, the harshness of war, and the emotional struggles of separation from home.
As readers, we are transported to vast deserts and lonely outposts, where poets like Wang Han immortalized the resilience and vulnerability of those who lived through these experiences. These works also evoke empathy for the broader human impact of these historical events.
Tang shi jue ju lei xuan: si juan [volume 02]; 唐詩絶句類選: 四卷 [第二冊], pages 72-73
王翰 Wang Han · 涼州詞 Song of Liang-zhou
葡桃[萄]美酒夜光杯，
Sweet wine of the grape,
cup of phosphorescent jade,
欲飲琵琶馬上催。
At the point of drinking,
mandolins play on horseback,
urging us on.
醉臥沙場君莫笑，
If I lie down drunk in the desert,
do not laugh at me! –
古來征戰幾人回。
Men marched to battle since times long ago,
and how many ever returned?
(Translated by Stephen Owen, in An Anthology of Chinese Literature: Beginnings to 1911, 1996)
Farewell Poems
Farewell poems (song bie shi, 送別詩) are another prominent theme in Tang quatrains. These poems express the emotions surrounding parting, often highlighting the sorrow of separation and the uncertainty of reunion. They provide intimate glimpses into the personal relationships and social customs of the time.
In the selected poem, the morning rain adds a melancholic tone, while the fresh willows symbolize renewal amidst the sorrow of parting. This poem was composed by Wang Wei when bidding farewell to a friend departing for the northwestern frontier. Later, musicians set it to melody, with the title Yangguan Sandie (陽關三疊, “Three Variations of Yang Pass”). Yang Pass holds deep symbolic significance in Chinese literature, since it marked the final stop for travelers departing China for the Western regions.
Tang shi jue ju lei xuan: si juan [volume 01]; 唐詩絶句類選: 四卷 [第一冊], pages 70-71
王維 Wang Wei · 送元二使安西 Sending Mr. Yuan on His Way on a Mission to An-xi
渭城朝雨浥輕塵，
By the walls of Wei City the rain at dawn,
dampens the light dust,
客舍青青柳色新。
All green around the guest lodge
the colors of willows revive.
勸君更盡一杯酒，
I urge you now to finish
just one more cup of wine:
西出陽關無故人。
Once you go west out Yang Pass
there will be no old friends.
(Translated by Stephen Owen, in An Anthology of Chinese Literature: Beginnings to 1911, 1996)
Nostalgia Poems
Nostalgia poems (si xiang shi, 思鄉詩) delve into the deep longing for one’s homeland. These quatrains often evoke images and sounds that trigger memories of home, reflecting the universal human experience of homesickness.
In the selected poem, Li Bai beautifully conveys the sudden onset of homesickness triggered by music. The “jade flute” symbolizes purity and the ethereal, while the “willow-breaking” tune is traditionally associated with parting. As the melody permeates the spring air, it evokes a shared sense of longing among listeners.
Tang shi jue ju lei xuan: si juan [volume 03]; 唐詩絶句類選: 四卷 [第三冊], pages 70-71
李白 Li Bai · 春夜洛陽[城]聞笛 Hearing a Flute in Lo-yang City on a Spring Night
誰家玉笛暗飛聲，
From which window does a jade flute weave
散入春風滿洛城。
Such sad music into the spring winds that swell Lo-yang?
此夜曲中聞折柳，
Should it play the willow-breaking song tonight,
何人不起故園情！
I would find it even harder to bear my longing for home.
(Translated by Stanton Hager, in Huangshan: Poems from the Tang Dynasty, 2010)
Tang quatrains offer a timeless window into the emotions and experiences of the Tang dynasty. From vivid frontier scenes to heartfelt farewells and nostalgia, these poems capture universal human sentiments that resonate across centuries.
In our next blog post, we’ll delve into other fascinating themes within the same collection, such as poetry on history. Stay tuned as we uncover the historical narratives woven into Tang poetry.
Thank you for reading!
