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Bamboo Flute

Fantastic China  | 2023-06-12 | Views:5647

竹笛.jpg


Bamboo Flute


by Fan Zuyu


Before the instrument, the phoenix once fed on its fine fruit.

Now sounding like a dragon, after transforming into a flute.

Pity that it wasn't discovered by Cai Yong.

Or ever played by Ma Rong.


Fan Zuyu (1041-1098), a famous historian and litterateur. In Chinese mythology, the phoenix is said to feed exclusively on bamboo seeds. Cai Yong mentioned in the poem was a poet and musician, while Ma Rong mentioned in the poem was a Confucian scholar and a litterateur.

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