A Quatrain for the Noble Consort’s Chamber
- Poetry of Li Qingzhao

《贵妃阁春帖子》

This is a seasonal greeting poem written on a red scroll for the Noble Consort Wu who became the Empress a few months later. Again the theme focuses on happiness and on having more children. Shaoyang Palace in the Han dynasty is said to be a very luxurious living place for Noble Consort Zhao of Emperor Chen. Yi’an made the comparison to emphasize how much Wu was favoured by the Emperor.

A Quatrain for the Noble Consort’s Chamber by Li Qingzhao

English Translation

Honoured with the gold bracelet, almost an Empress,

you have no need to envy Han’s Shaoyang Palace.

May you be dearly loved and blessed with more sons,

embracing a new year full of cheers and happiness.

中文原文( Chinese )

金环半后礼，钩弋比昭阳。

春生百子帐，喜入万年觞

Why Chinese poems is so special?: The most distinctive features of Chinese poetry are: concision- many poems are only four lines, and few are much longer than eight; ambiguity- number, tense and parts of speech are often undetermined, creating particularly rich interpretative possibilities; and structure- most poems follow quite strict formal patterns which have beauty in themselves as well as highlighting meaningful contrasts.

How to read a Chinese poem?: Like an English poem, but more so. Everything is there for a reason, so try to find that reason. Think about all the possible connotations, and be aware of the different possibilities of number and tense. Look for contrasts: within lines, between the lines of each couplet and between successive couplets. Above all, don't worry about what the poet meant- find your meaning.

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A Quatrain for the Noble Consort’s Chamber - Poetry of Li Qingzhao

A Quatrain for the Noble Consort’s Chamber
- Poetry of Li Qingzhao