The guqin, also known as Yaoqin or the Seven-stringed Qin, is a Chinese plucked musical instrument with a history spanning over three thousand years. Esteemed philosopher Confucius held the guqin in high regard, and throughout history, it has been valued by emperors, scholars, and monks.
During the Song Dynasty, the culture surrounding the guqin flourished remarkably. Emperor Huizong of Song, whose personal name was Zhao Ji, was a passionate admirer of the instrument. He famously sought out and collected renowned guqins from across the country. The Palace Museum in Beijing houses a famous painting attributed to Zhao Ji, titled "Listening to the Guqin." In this artwork, wisteria vines gracefully entwine a pine tree, beneath which a figure plays the guqin. Two listeners, dressed in court attire, are present, while exquisite stones and flowers adorn the setting, evoking an atmosphere of elegance and refinement.
Among the literati of the time, notable figures such as Fan Zhongyan, Ouyang Xiu, Wang Anshi, Su Shi, Huang Tingjian, and Li Qingzhao were passionate advocates of the guqin, leaving behind a wealth of writings on its theory, poetry, and cultural significance.
As guqin artistry evolved, distinct musical schools began to emerge during the Northern Song period, primarily the Jing Shi, Jiangxi, and Zhejiang schools. Concurrently, various theoretical writings about guqin music were published, enriching the understanding of this timeless art form.
Throughout ancient Chinese society, the guqin, with its clear, harmonious, subtle, and elegant musical qualities, embodies the noble spirit and transcendent mindset of the literati. Its legacy continues to thrive into the present day.