Newly compiled painting book of 300 Tang poems

Author: Li Benzhai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-10-01
Features: "Cold rain connects the river at night as I enter Wu, bright morning sees me off at lonely Chu Mountain. If friends in Luoyang ask about me, tell them a piece of ice heart is in a jade pot." Too many famous poems and lines of verse make one immersed in their beauty. Here, you will find pictures drawn according to the poetic scenes, immersing you in the atmosphere and offering insightful explanations to deepen your understanding of the poems. Different styles of poetry and heartful lines will help you rediscover the "Three Hundred Poems of the Tang Dynasty."
Detailed Introduction: The editing and publication of Illustrated New Edition of Three Hundred Poems of the Tang Dynasty is not for academic purposes but to provide young readers with an easy-to-understand and enjoyable collection of Tang poems. Author Li Benzhai, after years of research, boldly explores and pioneers a fresh approach, presenting this book to readers with a completely new look and experience. The combination of poetic scenes and illustrations is the major feature of this book. The "Brief Explanation of Poetic Scenes" section after each poem uses simple yet elegant language to describe the scene vividly, bringing it to life before the reader. Combined with the accompanying illustrations, readers can gain a vivid and three-dimensional understanding of the scene. The short text below each illustration provides a brilliant distillation of the poem's essence. The illustrators, including Ye Yuzhong, Li Shaowen, Yang Yongqing, Tong Jiemei, and Yu Shui, are among the top domestic illustrators in China today. Their works are characterized by smooth lines, vivid expressions, and infinite charm. The interplay of poetry and illustration offers readers a delightful reading experience. As readers engage with the book, they will appreciate the unique craftsmanship of the compilers through the layout of each poem and its categorization. The ultimate goal is to build a bridge between the magnificent and ancient art of Tang poetry and modern young readers.
Excerpt: Two Poems from the Tang Dynasty
View from the East Tower of Xianyang City
Ascending the high city, miles of sorrow fill my heart,
Reeds and willows resemble islets by the river.
Early clouds rise over the tower as the sun sets behind it,
A cool breeze fills the tower as the mountain rain approaches.
Birds descend upon green weeds in the Qin Garden at dusk,
Cicadas chirp among yellow leaves in the Han Palace in autumn.
Travelers, do not ask of the past,
The eastward flow of the Wei River still carries the remains of the old state.
Annotations:
Xianyang: The capital of the Qin and Han dynasties, separated from Chang'an by the Wei River during the Tang Dynasty.
Reeds: A type of grass.
Islets: Small landmasses in water.
Sun sets behind the tower: The setting sun disappears behind the temple tower.
Weeds: Overgrown with wild grass.
Travelers: Refers to the author himself.
The past: Refers to the fall of the Qin and Han dynasties.
Main Theme: This poem expresses the author's reflections while gazing from the Xianyang City Tower.
Brief Explanation of Poetic Scenes: Upon ascending this high tower, a sense of sorrow for miles away fills my heart. White reeds and green willows resemble the scenery of the Jiangnan region. Early clouds rise over the river as the sun sets behind the tower, and a cool breeze fills the tower as the mountain rain approaches. In the Qin and Han palaces, birds descend upon overgrown weeds, and cicadas chirp among yellow leaves in autumn. Upon reaching here, do not ask about the rise and fall of the Qin and Han dynasties in the past—I only see the Wei River flowing eastward day and night.
Analysis: This poem describes the author's view from the tower in the autumn evening. It conveys the author's feelings through the depiction of scenery. Especially the third and fourth lines vividly depict the changes in the scenery. The words "leave," "sun," "wind," and "rain" are used in sequence, clearly and naturally showing the progression of the scene over time, layer by layer, in an orderly manner. At the same time, it gives a sense of spatial movement in the scene. The line "The mountain rain approaches as the wind fills the tower" reflects the author's sensitivity to life, vividly depicting the signs of an impending storm and also expressing a common feeling shared by many.
Three Quatrain Poems from the Huaqing Palace (First)
Looking back from the east, brocade piles on the mountain,
Thousand doors open one after another on the summit.
A rider in dust brings laughter to the concubine,
No one knows it's for the fresh lychees she loves.
Annotations:
Huaqing Palace: Located on the northern slope of Lishan in the south of Lintong County, Shaanxi Province, it was a summer resort for Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and Lady Yang.
Looking back: Refers to the view from the Lishan mountain after passing it on the road to Chang'an.
Brocade piles: Refers to the forest, flowers, and pavilions that resemble a pile of brocade.
Thousand doors: Numerous palace gates.
One after another: In order, one after another.
A rider: A person riding a horse.
Dust: Dust raised by the horse's hooves.
Concubine: Refers to Lady Yang.
Main Theme: This poem exposes the luxurious and decadent life of feudal rulers.
Brief Explanation of Poetic Scenes: On the road to Chang'an, looking back at Lishan, the mountain is like a pile of brocade. The palace gates on the summit open one after another. A rider in dust comes from afar, bringing laughter to the concubine, but no one knows it's for the fresh lychees she loves.