Analysis of "李凭箜篌引" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

"李凭箜篌引" (Lǐ Píng Kōng Hóu Yǐn), or "Li Ping's Konghou Prelude," is a famous poem by the Tang Dynasty poet Li He (李贺, 790–816). Known for his imaginative and often melancholic style, Li He was a prodigy whose works are celebrated for their vivid imagery and emotional depth. This poem describes the enchanting music played by Li Ping, a renowned court musician, on the konghou (a Chinese harp). The poem is a masterpiece of classical Chinese poetry, blending supernatural imagery with musical virtuosity to create an otherworldly experience.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

吴丝蜀桐张高秋
Wú sī Shǔ tóng zhāng gāo qiū
With Wu silk and Shu wood, strung in deep autumn,

空山凝云颓不流
Kōng shān níng yún tuí bù liú
Empty mountains—clouds freeze and sag, unmoving.

江娥啼竹素女愁
Jiāng é tí zhú sù nǚ chóu
The river goddess weeps among bamboos; the plain maiden grieves.

李凭中国弹箜篌
Lǐ Píng Zhōngguó tán kōng hóu
Li Ping plays the konghou in the Middle Kingdom.

昆山玉碎凤凰叫
Kūn shān yù suì fèng huáng jiào
Jade shatters on Kunlun Mountain; phoenixes cry out,

芙蓉泣露香兰笑
Fú róng qì lù xiāng lán xiào
Lotuses weep dew; fragrant orchids laugh.

十二门前融冷光
Shí èr mén qián róng lěng guāng
Before the twelve gates, cold light melts away,

二十三丝动紫皇
Èr shí sān sī dòng zǐ huáng
Twenty-three strings stir the Purple Emperor.

女娲炼石补天处
Nǚ wā liàn shí bǔ tiān chù
Where Nüwa smelted stones to mend the heavens,

石破天惊逗秋雨
Shí pò tiān jīng dòu qiū yǔ
Stones split, skies tremble—autumn rain spills forth.

梦入神山教神妪
Mèng rù shén shān jiào shén yù
In dreams, he enters divine mountains to teach immortal women,

老鱼跳波瘦蛟舞
Lǎo yú tiào bō shòu jiāo wǔ
Aged fish leap waves; gaunt dragons dance.

吴质不眠倚桂树
Wú Zhì bù mián yǐ guì shù
Wu Zhi, sleepless, leans on the laurel tree,

露脚斜飞湿寒兔
Lù jiǎo xié fēi shī hán tù
Dew-feet slant and wet the cold moon-hare.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Wu silk and Shu wood, strung in deep autumn" – The konghou is crafted from the finest materials (Wu silk for strings, Shu wood for the frame), suggesting its exquisite quality.

2. "Empty mountains—clouds freeze and sag, unmoving" – Nature itself is stunned into stillness by the music.

3. "The river goddess weeps among bamboos; the plain maiden grieves" – Mythological figures are moved to tears, emphasizing the music's emotional power.

4. "Li Ping plays the konghou in the Middle Kingdom" – The musician’s skill is so great that even celestial beings react.

5. "Jade shatters on Kunlun Mountain; phoenixes cry out" – The music is compared to the sound of precious jade breaking and mythical birds singing.

6. "Lotuses weep dew; fragrant orchids laugh" – Even flowers respond emotionally, blending sorrow and joy.

7-8. "Before the twelve gates, cold light melts away... Twenty-three strings stir the Purple Emperor" – The music reaches the heavens, affecting even the supreme deity.

9-10. "Where Nüwa smelted stones to mend the heavens... Stones split, skies tremble—autumn rain spills forth" – The music is so powerful it disrupts the cosmos, echoing the myth of Nüwa repairing the sky.

11-12. "In dreams, he enters divine mountains to teach immortal women... Aged fish leap waves; gaunt dragons dance" – The musician’s art transcends mortal limits, enchanting mythical creatures.

13-14. "Wu Zhi, sleepless, leans on the laurel tree... Dew-feet slant and wet the cold moon-hare" – The moon’s immortal (Wu Zhi) and the moon-hare (a mythological figure) are spellbound, ending the poem in a dreamlike trance.

Themes and Symbolism

• The Power of Music: The poem portrays music as a transcendent force that moves nature, gods, and mythical beings.
• Supernatural Imagery: Dragons, phoenixes, and goddesses symbolize the music’s divine impact.
• Emotional Depth: Contrasting images of weeping and laughter reflect the music’s ability to evoke profound emotions.

Cultural Context

Li He lived during the Tang Dynasty, a golden age of Chinese poetry and music. The konghou was a revered instrument, often associated with courtly elegance and spiritual depth. The poem reflects Daoist and mythological influences, where art bridges the human and celestial realms.

Conclusion

"李凭箜篌引" is a breathtaking fusion of sound, myth, and emotion. Li He’s vivid imagery transports readers into a world where music transcends reality, touching the divine. Even today, the poem reminds us of art’s power to elevate the human spirit beyond earthly confines.