The Works of Li Qingzhao, introduction and poems 1.1 to 1.5

[x_los]

This week we're reading The Works of Li Qingzhao, freely available via De Gruyter's Library of Chinese Humanities in Mandarin and English and via several publication formats, including two open access options (the pdf appears to be better formatted than the ebook; it might be worth someone letting them know as much). We're starting with the introduction and poems 1.1 to 1.5, inclusive.

This collection uses footnotes and end notes to explicate the work (though none of this week's poems has an end note).

We might get into more English exegesis, but this week the Introduction gives us more than enough of that to be getting on with.

CLP has an episode on Li Qingzhao you might find relevant.

Comments

1.4 分得知字 Written Upon Being Assigned the Rhyme “Zhi”

[x_los]

分得知字

學語三十年
緘口不求知。
誰遣好奇士
相逢說項斯。

Written Upon Being Assigned the Rhyme “Zhi”

I’ve studied poetic language for thirty years
but kept my mouth shut, not seeking to be known.
Whoever sent a gentleman fond of the marvelous and strange
to meet Xiang Si and spread word of him?

Re: 1.4 分得知字 Written Upon Being Assigned the Rhyme “Zhi”

[x_los]

Gosh footnote placement is messy in this!

"the competition and fun of poetic games" translator stressing his 'competition' agenda again

fl. ?

"I’ve studied poetic language for thirty years
but kept my mouth shut, not seeking to be known." doesn't seem very IC

Re: 1.4 分得知字 Written Upon Being Assigned the Rhyme “Zhi”

[douqi]

"but kept my mouth shut, not seeking to be known" — linked to the next two lines, the vibe I'm getting is: the average person doesn't really understand how good I am, I'm holding out for a Yang Jingzhi-type person to properly appreciate me.

Re: 1.4 分得知字 Written Upon Being Assigned the Rhyme “Zhi”

[superborb]

Yeah, Baike agrees and editorializes that she doesn't need the world to appreciate her, just a proper connoisseur (I assume the proper connoisseur bit is implied by the use of 伯樂).