The Condensed Incense Studio
- Poetry of Zeng Gong
This western studio's depth always convinces,
Hermit-governor paradox—what office is this?
Winecup holds windmoon, my schedule blank,
A thousand miles of plows sing autumn's thank.
Cloudwater birdsong scrubs my mind's stain,
Jade-sand tinnitus rinses the cold stream's brain.
When absorbed in yellow scrolls' tight creed,
I smell Peak Lu's incense in every reed.
Composed in 1072 during Zeng Gong's tenure as prefect of Qizhou (modern Jinan), this work reflects a rare moment of political stability and agricultural prosperity under his governance. The Fragrance-Collecting Studio (originally West Studio), nestled by Daming Lake, became Zeng's sanctuary for literary pursuits. The poem crystallizes a scholar-official's ideal equilibrium—where administrative success and spiritual cultivation harmonize through landscape's mediation, embodying the Song Neo-Confucian synthesis of worldly service and inner refinement.
每觉西斋景最幽，不知官是古诸侯。
一尊风月身无事，千里耕桑岁有秋。
云水醒心鸣好鸟，玉沙清耳漱寒流。
沉心细细临黄卷，疑在香炉最上头。
- 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.
- Pomegranate Blossoms at Zhang’s Lodge
- Willow Catkins Over the Pond
- Written for My Grandnephew at the Blue Pass
- South of Town I
- South of Town II
- Multi-Vista Tower at Sweet Dew Temple
- River Thoughts for Wang Anshi
- Bamboos by South Veranda
- The Condensed Incense Studio
- Ten Thousand Thoughts a Day