Abstract

Info

Title:: Yuxuan Tang Song Shichun and the Reception of Du Fu's Poetry in the Qing Dynasty

Keywords:: Yuxuan Tang Song Shichun; Du Fu's poetry; imperial examination; regulated verse poetry examination; reception history

Abstract:: Yuxuan Tang Song Shichun 御选唐宋诗醇(The Imperial Collection of Tang and Song Poetry)reflects a strong inclination towards exalting Du Fu's poetry. Du Fu's poems not only dominate in terms of the number of selections, but they also serve as the benchmark for evaluating the works of the other five poets included in the collection. This phenomenon is partly due to the high esteem in which Du Fu's poetry is held and is also influenced by Emperor Qianlong's view of poetry through the lens of “loyalty and filial piety”. With the widespread dissemination of the collection, especially after lüshi律诗(regulated verse poetry)was reintroduced into the imperial examination in 1757(the 22nd year of Qianlong's reign), this collection effectively became the “syllabus” for various examinations. This led to a societal trend of reception of Du Fu's poetry. This trend is primarily manifested in two ways: first, the highest number of poetry topics in provincial exams were derived from Du Fu's verses; second, this collection became an essential text from the Hanlin Academy down to local prefectural and county schools. Scholars continuously emulated and elaborated on Du Fu's poetry in both examinations and daily preparation, resulting in an unprecedented flourishing of the reception of Du Fu's poetry in the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty.