Fine Chinese classical poetry and prose masterpieces -- Three Hundred Yuan Qu

Author: Li Yangyan
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Publish Date: 2002-02-01
Features: The development of Yuan Dynasty qu (a form of vernacular poetry) can be broadly divided into two periods. The early period spans from the late Jin Dynasty to the Dade era of the Yuan Dynasty, approximately seventy years. During this time, the authors were mostly high-ranking officials and scholars, and their writing style was similar to that of Ci poetry. However, famous playwrights such as Guan Hanqing, Ma Zhiyuan, and Bai Pu joined the ranks of qu writers. Their unrestrained, passionate, and fresh yet direct styles influenced the entire qu scene,ing a new era in qu creation. The later period extends from the Dade era to the end of the Yuan Dynasty, about sixty years. During this time, the most renowned writers include Zhang Kexiu, Qiao Ji, and Guan Yunshi, and the style of the qu tended to become more classical and graceful. After the Ming Dynasty, the overall trend of qu creation went into decline.