← Explore on the interactive map

Jiang Kui

Type Figure Region Southern Song Time 1155–1221 Also known as Jiang Yaozhang、Baishi Daoren、Baishi Sheng

Jiang Kui (1155–1221), Southern Song ci poet, musician and calligraphy theorist, courtesy name Yaozhang, from Poyang, Raozhou;…

Timeline

  1. 1155–1186Hanyang · Hanyang CommanderyFrom Poyang, he traveled in Hubei with his father in youth. After his father's death he wandered poor through Yangzhou, Hefei, Jinling and elsewhere, befriending seniors like Xiao Dezao through his poetic talent, and married his niece, gradually becoming known for ci in the southeast.
  2. 1187–1193Hangzhou · Lin'an PrefectureIn 1187 he followed Xiao Dezao into Zhejiang, meeting Fan Chengda, Yang Wanli, Zhang Jian and others. Repeatedly failing the exams, he abandoned official ambitions, devoting himself to ci composition and music study; his ci mostly praised West Lake and Jianhu scenery, in a clear, elegant style.
  3. 1194–1221Hangzhou · Lin'an PrefectureDuring the Shaoxi and Qingyuan eras he formed friendships with Zhang Jian and his brothers in Hangzhou, receiving long-term patronage, making Hangzhou his main residence. In the 1190s he composed self-tuned tunes, wrote 'Baishi Daoren Songs', and authored the 'Continuation of the Manual of Calligraphy'. He exchanged ci with Xin Qiji and died near Hangzhou.

Sources