Study On Ci-theory Between Shunzhi And Kangxi Period

This article, by choosing eight Ci-theorists such as Li Yu, Liu Ti-ren, Shen Qian, Zou Qi-mo, Wang Shi-zhen, He Shang, Peng Sun-yu and Xu Qiu as representatives, taking Cihua as main medium, combining their Ci-poems' creation, makes a preliminary study on the Ci-theory during the particular historic period from late Shunzhi to early Kangxi period in Qing Dynasty. Those Ci-theorists' ideas during that period are mainly embodied in their Cihua works, which involve several specific aspects. Among them the most centralized discussion is focused on three aspects: "Differentiation and Definition of poetry, Ci and Qu"; "Original" and "Genuine and Deviant style"; and "Discussion on creative skills". As for the first aspect, there is superficial discrimination of "literal meaning" and "tune", as well as the pondering on "expression and manner", "state" and "soul". The theory of "original" and "genuine and deviant style" is basically originated from Zhang Yan's view in Ming Dynasty, but with a richer and more extensive connotation. It's often thought that there's distinction of "genuine" and "deviant" in Ci and the feature of Wanyue is considered "genuine" and "original", but seldom place "genuine style" above "deviant style". Those Ci-theorists discussion to creative skills, such as treatments of "beginning", "end", "transition"; different requirements of "Xiaoling", "Zhongdiao" and "Changdiao"; creations of Ci describing objects and etc, are in some degree not so deep and overall and still stay at the level of following basic creative rules, but most of which are apropos speeches for references.Discussion of creative skills is a major subject to Ci-theory between Shunzhi and Kangxi periods. Artistic skill is in essence concerned with how to carry on artistic creation according to norms of beauty. So from those Ci-theorists's discussion, the aesthetic ideas can be clearly sensed. The Cihua during that period shows quite similar aesthetic interest of those Ci-theorists, especially the common aesthetic pursuit of nascent beauty, natural beauty and neutral beauty.The opinions of those Ci-theorists are generally open-minded, plain, proper and impartial, which indicates their compromise attitude and tolerant spirit. It seems that their Cihua is decentralized but inherent trail of thought can be followed. The language is quite brief but containing quite penetrating aesthetic opinions which sometimes flash and can be beneficial to minds and inspiring to thought. In general, the Ci-theory between Shunzhi and Kangxi period possesses the preliminary quality of system and certain theoretical colors.