Cave of the Immortals: The Poetry and Prose of Bamboo Painter Wen Tong (1019-1079)

In the history of Chinese art, Wen Tong (1019 -1079) is considered the supreme master of bamboo painting. This widely shared assessment has perhaps overshadowed his equally brilliant poetry, which has remained virtually unknown. This book is the first in any Western language to present translations of selected poetry and prose by Wen, writings that bring to light aspects of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism rarely addressed by Chinese poets, as they involve devotional practices held in suspicion by many literati. A particular revelation is Wen's unusual interest in what might be called the folk religion of China, including tales of strange and supernatural events, and ceremonies of supplication to various gods, especially dragon deities controlling the rain.