A Study Of Liu Zongyuan's Aesthetic Creation And Theory

As a well-known writer and thinker in Tang Dynasty, Liu Zongyuan not only made great contribution in literary production but also was a man of profound philosophy. However, former researchers were likely to focus more attention on Liu's literary thought while neglecting his aesthetic thinking. In fact, Liu Zongyuan have been influencing later generations by his literary thoughts known as "Wen Yi Ming Dao" which contain substantial theory.The paper first observes Liu Zongyuan's aesthetic creation and then analyzes his aesthetic theory based on his literary works since aesthetic creation is the foundation of Aesthetic theory process and through aesthetic creation we can see the outline of aesthetic theory's development and its formation.The paper is divided into three parts:the first part summarizes Tang Dynasty's aesthetic currents and Liu Zongyuan's brief life which are the basis of his aesthetic creation and theory with close relationship between the creation practices and thoughts. The second part mainly discusses Liu's aesthetic creation practice, putting particular emphasis on detailed discussing the aesthetic style that mostly represents artistic style of his poets, essays."Growls and resentment" are his creation practice's basis;"peace and tranquil ness" are the main aesthetic style of his poets;"wildness and freshness" are his essay's major aesthetic style; and "oneself within the state of mind" is Liu's shared character both in his poets and essays. The third part then analyses Liu Zongyuan's aesthetic theory on the basis of the previous two parts' discussion.The paper sticks on discussing the following propositions such as "excellence is built by plenty of fine elements","a gentleman must have time and place to amuse himself,"when good and evil is mixed together, one should be able to distinguish and choose the good one","with peaceful mind and relaxing body, then man can be harmonized with anything","beauty, not presenting itself, needs to discovered and awakened by human" which reveal Liu Zongyuan's explicit and deep understandings on aesthetic practices.