Analysis of "鹧鸪天·彩袖殷勤捧玉钟" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem 鹧鸪天·彩袖殷勤捧玉钟 (Zhè Gū Tiān · Cǎi Xiù Yīn Qín Pěng Yù Zhōng) was written by Yan Jidao (晏几道, 1030–1106), a prominent lyric poet of the Northern Song Dynasty. He was known for his delicate and emotional ci (lyric poetry), often exploring themes of love, nostalgia, and fleeting beauty.

This poem is a celebrated example of ci poetry, a form that blends lyrical expression with musicality. It captures a bittersweet reunion between lovers, filled with vivid imagery and deep emotion. Yan Jidao’s work is admired for its elegance and emotional depth, making it a treasured piece in classical Chinese literature.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

彩袖殷勤捧玉钟
Cǎi xiù yīn qín pěng yù zhōng
With rainbow sleeves, she eagerly held a jade wine cup,

当年拚却醉颜红
Dāng nián pàn què zuì yán hóng
In those days, I’d gladly drink till my face flushed red.

舞低杨柳楼心月
Wǔ dī yáng liǔ lóu xīn yuè
She danced till the moon over the willow tower sank low,

歌尽桃花扇底风
Gē jìn táo huā shàn dǐ fēng
And sang till the breeze beneath her peach-blossom fan stilled.

从别后，忆相逢
Cóng bié hòu, yì xiāng féng
Since parting, I’ve longed for our reunion,

几回魂梦与君同
Jǐ huí hún mèng yǔ jūn tóng
How often has my soul met yours in dreams?

今宵剩把银釭照
Jīn xiāo shèng bǎ yín gāng zhào
Tonight, I hold up the silver lamp to gaze at you,

犹恐相逢是梦中
Yóu kǒng xiāng féng shì mèng zhōng
Still fearing this meeting is but another dream.

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "彩袖殷勤捧玉钟"
   - The "rainbow sleeves" symbolize the woman’s beauty and grace, while the "jade wine cup" suggests luxury and refinement. The line sets a scene of romantic indulgence.

2. "当年拚却醉颜红"
   - The poet recalls his willingness to drink to intoxication for love, emphasizing youthful passion.

3. "舞低杨柳楼心月"
   - The imagery of dancing until the moon sets conveys the passage of time and the enchantment of the moment.

4. "歌尽桃花扇底风"
   - The "peach-blossom fan" is a classic symbol of fleeting beauty. The line suggests the exhaustion of joy, hinting at impermanence.

5. "从别后，忆相逢"
   - A shift to longing and nostalgia—the poet has been haunted by memories of their time together.

6. "几回魂梦与君同"
   - Dreams blur with reality, showing how deeply he yearns for her.

7. "今宵剩把银釭照"
   - The "silver lamp" is a poignant detail—he checks if she’s truly there, fearing illusion.

8. "犹恐相逢是梦中"
   - The final line captures the fragility of happiness—even in reunion, he doubts its reality.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Love and Longing

The poem explores the intensity of romantic love, the pain of separation, and the surreal joy of reunion.

2. Transience of Happiness

Symbols like the "peach-blossom fan" and the setting moon reflect the fleeting nature of beauty and joy.

3. Dream vs. Reality

The blurred boundary between dreams and waking life underscores the poet’s emotional vulnerability.

Cultural Context

• Song Dynasty Aesthetics: This poem reflects the refined, introspective style of ci poetry, which often focused on personal emotion and delicate imagery.
• Influence of Music: Ci was originally sung, and Yan Jidao’s lyrical flow retains a musical quality.
• Confucian and Daoist Undertones: The tension between desire (indulgence in love) and restraint (fear of loss) mirrors Confucian-Daoist philosophical conflicts.

Conclusion

鹧鸪天·彩袖殷勤捧玉钟 is a masterpiece of emotional depth and lyrical beauty. Yan Jidao captures the ecstasy of love, the ache of separation, and the fragile hope of reunion—all in just a few lines. Its themes of impermanence and longing resonate universally, making it timeless.

For modern readers, the poem is a reminder of love’s power to haunt and uplift us, blurring the lines between memory, dream, and reality. Its elegance ensures its place as one of China’s most cherished poetic works.