Beyond the Tastes of Sour and Salty: A Poetic Essence of GU Zhenguan's The Collection of Lutang

GU Zhenguan, a renowned poet of the early Qing Dynasty, was known for his extensive poetry creations. In his later years, GU composed a collection of five-character ancient poems titled The Collection of Lutang after retiring to seclusion. Artistically, it presented a style which is refined and ethereal, light and distant. It inherited the artistic features of the poetry of Tang Dynasty, which emphasized imagery and artistic conception. Beyond the conventional flavors, it possessed a distinct charm reminiscent of the Shen Yun (Spirit and Rime) School, demonstrating significant artistic value. The artistic style of The Collection of Lutang can be attributed to two factors: firstly, GU's lifelong adherence to the poetic tradition of the Tang Dynasty; secondly, the influence of his personal life experiences.