KANSHI

(1)

INTRODUCTION

In Japan, many years ago, 

Another language was often heard in imperial courts.

The nobles spoke not Japanese,

Their choice of language was Chinese.

They also admired their poetry,

Many Japanese poets chose to write in Chinese, in a form called kanshi.

Let’s take a quick look,

what kind of poems were found in their notebook.

WHAT IS KANSHI?

The word Kanshi depicts two things. It is a Japanese term for Chinese poetry in general, and it can also refer to classical Chinese poetry written in Chinese by Japanese poets. The word literally means “Han poetry”. It was by far the most popular style of poetry in the Heian period. (2)

THE BIRTH OF KANSHI

It all started in the imitation era (7th-12th century), with Japanese poets copying the styles, themes, and natural imagery of legendary Chinese Tang Dynasty poets like Li Bai and Du Fu. (2)

It fully bloomed beyond its beginnings of imitation in the Edo period during the rise of Neo-Confucianism in Japan. Personal and political thoughts alongside local travel experiences were given their voices. (2)

KEY CHARACTERISTICS

Kanshi are written in the language of nobles, Classical Chinese. They follow strict Chinese tonal rhymes, meters, and structural formats. The most common forms feature lines of five or seven characters, usually arranged in stanzas of four lines (jueju) or eight lines (lüshi). (2)

CONCLUSION

Kanshi is a Japanese term for Chinese poetry in general, or it refers to classical Chinese poetry written by Japanese poets. They follow strict Chinese tonal rhymes, meters, and structural formats. The most common forms feature lines of five or seven characters, usually arranged in stanzas of four lines (jueju) or eight lines (lüshi). (2)

SOURCES

1. Image created via canva.com

2. Wikipedia. Kanshi (poetry). Available at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanshi_(poetry)