Tang Poetry
Tang poetry is one of the dynasty’s greatest cultural achievements. Despite political decline, the Golden Age ideal can be known as a cultural archetype. Styles of poetry went through many variations. Empress Wu introduced a poetic composition into “the jinshi [i] examination in 680 that marked a key moment of transformation from court poetry to a more lyrical style.”[1] After Emperor Xuanzong reduced political interference in imperial relatives’ court poetry evolved into capital poetry.[2] “Capital poetry remained less a fine art than a refined arm of social discourse that helped to establish personal ties among members of the bureaucracy and examination candidates.” [3]
Song and lyrical poetry were also prevalent especially in the capital and cosmopolitan centers. “Women were also the primary performers of music and song in the imperial court, local government offices, and elite homes. Emperor Xuanzong created a palace music school where hundreds of musicians and singers learned to perform new music, including popular and foreign songs. The emperor himself composed songs with an irregular number of characters per line, perhaps reflecting the influence of foreign tunes.” [4]
The early 8th-century celebrates some of China’s most famous literary geniuses. Wang Wei (699-761) “a poetic prodigy an offspring of a leading family, Wang found a place at court at a young age and mastered the art of court poetry. He then refined it by simplifying its style, elevating its antipathy towards emotions into their complete negation through the Buddhism he espoused, and perfecting the art of the couplet by replacing the elaborate ingenuity with simple statements rich in implication.” [5]
Li Bai (701–762) romantic and spontaneous, his poetry full of Taoist freedom and frontier heroism, embodying the Golden Age’s optimism. Du Fu (712–770), a witness to the An Lushan Rebellion, chronicled societal collapse and criticized the government with Confucian idealism and depth of emotion. He comprehended all the ancient styles and sweep, combined each modern special achievement… since there have been poets, there has never been Du Fu’s equal.” [6]
Li Bo also known as China’s greatest poetic personality. “Li Bo always evinced a signature energy and excess. Even his celebrated songs about drinking revolved around the drinker. Similarly, his poems on immortals became advertisements for himself.” [7]
Poetry was a cultural lifeform of its own. No longer was it only for government litigation purposes. It had become a living breathing cultural entity during the Tang dynasty.
[1] Mark Edward Lewis, China’s Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009), p 243
[2] Mark Edward Lewis, China’s Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009), p 243
[3] Mark Edward Lewis, China’s Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009), p 243
[4] Mark Edward Lewis, China’s Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009), p 244
[5] Mark Edward Lewis, China’s Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009), p 250
[6] Mark Edward Lewis, China’s Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009), p 251
[7] Mark Edward Lewis, China’s Cosmopolitan Empire: The Tang Dynasty (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 2009), p 254-255
[i] Jinshi 进士- The highest degree in the Imperial examination process of Imperial China. Created during the Han dynasty jinshi was significant role in the bureaucratic system.
I love how you captured the evolution of Tang poetry, not just the history, but the feeling of a culture waking up creatively. The way you highlighted each poet’s personality made them feel so alive. I’ve never read Wang Wei, Li Bai, or Du Fu, but now I genuinely want to.
I love the sound of “the golden age of optimism”. History is very fascinating.