Chinese Love Poetry

by Jane (ed) Portal

Selected English translations by respected scholars are each illustrated with a scene from a Chinese painting or print in the collection of the British Museum. Each poem is also illuminated by the artistic brushwork calligraphy of Qu Lei Lei. Further reading and brief biographies of the poets are also provided.

Genres: Poetry

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[EP · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard it was to see each other - harder still to part!
The east wind has no force, the hundred flowers wither.
The silkworm dies in spring when her thread is spun;
The candle dries its tears
only when burnt to the end.
Grief at the morning mirror - cloud-like hair must change;
Verses hummed at night,
feeling the chill of moonlight ...
Yet from here to Paradise the way is not so far:
Helpful bluebird,
bring me news of her!


I wanna read bei dao

[Claire Chan · Rating 3 out of 5]

wow much translation my favourite is:

余情悦其淑美兮，心振荡而不怡
无良媒以接欢兮，托微波而通辞

o how my emotions delight in her pure beauty, yet my heart is troubled and anxious
lacking a good matchmaker to convey my joy, i consign my words to the gentle waves

（洛神赋）

[Pita Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Portal strives to maintain the original meaning and spirit of the poems while also making them accessible to English-speaking readers.She often preserves the original poetic form, such as quatrains or couplets, to convey the rhythmic and musical qualities of the Chinese language. Portal provides valuable context and commentary to help readers understand the cultural and historical background of the poems.

A common theme in Chinese love poetry is unrequited love, often expressed with a sense of longing and melancholy. The themes of separation and reunion are frequently explored, reflecting the transient nature of human relationships. Chinese love poetry often draws inspiration from the natural world, using imagery of flowers, birds, and landscapes to convey emotions and experiences. While more subtle than Western love poetry, Chinese love poetry can also contain erotic elements, particularly in certain genres like ci. Portal's translations have played a significant role in introducing Western readers to the rich and diverse world of Chinese love poetry. Her work has helped to bridge cultural gaps and deepen understanding of Chinese literature and culture.

[Sicofonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flowers bloom:
no one
to enjoy them with.

Flowers fall:
no one
with whom to grieve.

I wonder when love's
longings
stir us most -

when flowers bloom,
or when flowers fall?

Gazing at Spring by Xue Tao

[Rehan Qayoom]

'Strangely shaped rocks were collected and admired by gentlemen scholars, who derived great solace from their contemplation.'

[Katu Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection of poetical verses from the East, the sublime loves that expound away from the material possessive aspects. Praising the spiritual reverence of love, and the natural essence that it inspires.