Ancient Poems: 300 Selections in Text and Pictures

Author: Cao Minggang (Editor/Compiler), Gao Keqin & Wang Lixiang (Commentator/Annotator)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2000-11-01
Features: The published illustrated editions of Tang poems, Song ci, and Yuan qu, combining images, comments, and annotations, have become treasured possessions for many readers. The newly published illustrated edition of 《》 continues the features of the illustrated series, also making the illustrated series more complete. Poems from the Tang Dynasty and earlier dynasties, being non-regulated verse, are collectively referred to as classical poetry. This includes Shijing, Han Yuefu, the Nineteen Ancient Poems, Tao Yuan, Xie Ling, the Three Caos, the Seven Scholars, Xu Geng, and others. These classical poems are either simple or extraordinary, expressing their thoughts directly and naturally.
Excerpt:
《》
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: Lotus flower.
: Low-lying areas with orchids.
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(wèi): Give. In ancient times, there was a custom of gifting fragrant herbs to express affection.
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: Describes the vastness of the journey.
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: Generally refers to love. "The Book of Changes, Commentary on the Changes": "When two people are of one heart, their sharpness can cut through metal." This is a deeply moving lyrical short poem that expresses the longing of a traveler for his hometown and family. From "crossing the river to pick lotus flowers," the poem reflects the desire to pick them to gift someone, and from gifting, it leads to the person being thought of, then to "the one I think of is far away," and finally to gazing at the hometown in sorrow. Later, the poem expresses sorrow due to separation. The entire poem is circular and winding, conveying emotions that are deeply sincere and profound, lingering and poignant. This style of expression is greatly aided by the methods of the Chu Ci. The term "crossing the river" in this poem is the title of a piece in the Chu Ci. Whether in word choice, sentence structure, or artistic conception, the poem bears the traces of the Chu Ci.
Zhu Ziqing's "Explanation of the Nineteen Ancient Poems": The repetitive effect in this poem is easily noticeable. However, the depth of the host's longing is revealed through these repetitions.
Miscellaneous Poem
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(xuān): Hot.
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(liè): Cicada.
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(qióng): Solitary.
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(suì): Fraying wood to make fire. In ancient times, different materials were used for fire-making depending on the season.
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(lóng): House, lóng, windows.
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A poem of sorrow. The brilliance of the poem lies in its use of the (hōngtuō) technique. Only the lines "" and "" explain the reason for longing, while the lines "" and "" lament the duration of separation. The rest of the lines describe the environment of solitude in the courtyard: the cool autumn wind, the dim candlelight, the cricket's sound as if pleading, revealing the emptiness and boredom of solitary living, and reflecting its "" solitude. The courtyard grass is lush, the moss-covered walls, and the webs in the rooms show the long duration of solitude, revealing the "" loneliness that arises from reflecting on the surroundings. Using a subtle approach to express emotions through scenery, it is moving and poignant.
Zhong Rong's "Poetry Appreciation": It originates from Wang Can. The style is elegant and pure, with few flaws, and skillfully constructs imagery.