Spirit of the Times and Folk Paintings (Tang Poetry and Folk Customs)

Author: Zhao Ruicai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-12-01
Features: The main form of this book is a discussion in an engaging manner. The perspective chosen is ethnology, stemming from the following consideration: Many previous research methods and propositions could not fully encompass the rich diversity of Tang poetry. Some research areas were also difficult to delve into deeply. This is because poetry in the Tang Dynasty was not merely the exclusive domain of a limited number of poets within the "cultural circle"; it was not just their "lifestyle world" and artistic realm. Rather, poetry was an important cultural event in the Tang Dynasty and one of the core elements around which the entire Tang culture revolved. It belonged to all Tang people.
Because poetry creation held profound meaning within the "lifestyle world" of Tang people, it is feasible to expand the study of Tang poetry beyond the relatively narrow literary scope and uncover the role that Tang poetry played in the "lifestyle world" of Tang people. This ethnological perspective seeks to return Tang poetry as closely as possible to its original life and reality. This approach is more direct and vivid than traditional research methods.