Poetic Lines to Accompany a Bamboo Ink Painting

Poetic Lines to Accompany a Bamboo Ink Painting

by Aisin Gioro Xuanye

The painting's bamboo robust as if living,

Soundless, in the light breeze stirring.

With yearning hearts they long for winter pine,

A lovely verse alone worth a painting so fine.

Aisin Gioro Xuanye (1654-1723), also known as Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, is considered one of China's most powerful emperors. In his 61-year rule, he brought about extended stability and relative wealth after years of war and chaos.