This is an anthology of writings by Chinese who travelled in their own country and wrote of their travels and the sights they saw.
The strength of this anthology, titled Inscribed Landscapes Travel writing from Imperial China, is that Strassberg prefaced each translation with a brief description of the writer and the context in which the writing was done.
For the famous Preface to Collected Poems from the Orchid Pavilion written in 353 AD [Eastern Chin dynasty] , by Wang Hsi Chih, Strassberg explains that it was written to commemorate a springtime gathering of 41 literatis by a winding stream.
Wine cups were floated down the stream and the guests were required to write a poem before the cups passed their seats or else drink a forfeit.
Wang’s semi-cursive/running script calligraphy for his Preface was greatly admired and copied by later masters and emperors.
His Preface also inspired future gatherings of scholars in idyllic surroundings to contemplate on the transience of life and the beauty of nature while composing poems.
Preface to the Poems Composed at the Orchid Pavilion (Translated)
In the ninth year of the Yonghe era (353 CE), during the late spring of the guichou year, we gathered at the Orchid Pavilion in Shanyin for the Spring Purification Festival. Eminent scholars and distinguished guests all attended. The place boasts lofty mountains and towering forests, with bamboo groves and clear, rushing streams. We sat by the waterside, arranging cups of wine to float downstream. Though lacking the music of pipes and strings, a simple drink paired with poetry sufficed to stir profound emotions.
On this day, the sky was bright, the breeze gentle. Looking up, we observed the vastness of the universe; gazing down, we marveled at the abundance of life. Thus, our eyes and hearts wandered freely, reveling in the joy of the moment.
Yet, human interactions last but a lifetime. Some pour out their hearts in private conversations; others find passion in unrestrained pursuits. Though our choices differ—some quiet, some bold—the instant we encounter what delights us, we are content, oblivious to old age creeping near. But when weariness sets in, sentiment shifts with the scene, and regrets arise. What once brought joy becomes but a memory, inevitably stirring emotion.
I reflect: life and death are matters of profound significance. Does this not evoke sorrow? Whenever I read of people’s shared sentiments from the past, it moves me deeply. To equate longevity with heaven and death with extinction is surely a delusion! Future generations will look upon our age as we look upon past ones. How lamentable! Thus, I record those present and transcribe their poems. Though times and customs change, the essence of human feeling remains the same. May readers of this work also find resonance in its words. ”
Key Themes from the Preface:
1. Transience of Life: Wang reflects on the fleeting nature of joy and the inevitability of change.
2. Unity with Nature: The gathering celebrates the harmony between humanity and the natural world.
3. Legacy and Memory: The act of writing preserves the present moments and connects the past with future generations.
This is a book to be read slowly and to be savoured with a glass of wine.