A Preliminary Discussion on Characteristics of Ci Poems’ Tunes in Chayange Tiwu Ji by ZHU Yizun

In his Chayange Tiwu Ji (Collection of Object-Contemplating Lyrics, COCL), ZHU Yizun employed a rich variety of tunes for ci poems. He not only inherited many old tune patterns from the Tang and Song dynasties but also showed a particular preference for unique and rare tunes. To better suit the needs of yongwu (object-describing) lyrics, he adapted the original themes associated with these tunes and consciously favored those structured primarily with four-zi, Chinese characters, lines. Additionally, the pervasive use of rhymes with falling-rising tones and falling tones imparts the collection with a uniquely deliberate and mellow lyrical quality. This collection demonstrates ZHU’s broad approach to ci poems scholarship through its extensive incorporation of tune patterns in the Northern Song Dynasty. Moreover, his adoption of tunes favored by masters of ci poems in the Song Dynasty highlights his conscious pursuit of skillful excellence in tonal and metrical structure. The historical significance of COCL’s use of tunes is evident in the practices of later poets. When composing matching lyrics or new works based on its tunes, they largely adhered to ZHU’s original thematic choices. This practice solidified the association of specific tune patterns with yongwu topics. More importantly, it established the collection’s paradigmatic status in influencing how the poets selected and applied tune patterns for their ci poems.