Examining the Song Dynasty's mania for stationery.
Why we love the Song dynasty exploring the history and charm of one of China's most fascinating dynasties.
Episode 18 Stationary in this podcast, we're going to examine another aspect of the Song dynasty's mania for gathering things, their absolute passion for stationery.
I'm Bob Jones, and in this why we love the Song dynasty podcast, I'm throwing the spotlight on what was to become one of China's most iconic dynasties in the country's long and colourful history.
One of the joys of the Sung scholars was creating a room of ones own, a study where they could keep their nice things to read and write, and to contemplate the world around them.
The poet and scholar Lu Yeo wrote a poem about his own little den.
I built a new little chamber in my house that can only accommodate one small table.
I read at the window on the east side.
When the morning sun lights up the room, even my dim sighted eyes can read the small words on the book, clearly hearing the clear voice of reciting.
When children joining in the study, I feel satisfied and delighted even when I am already in my declining years.
When I hear the meal is ready, I will then close the book and leave the room.
Note the sung tendencies towards learning or investigating self satisfaction and nostalgia.
Likewise, in summer day in the study room, the poet Zheng Gang jung.
The days are so humid and torrid in the fifth lunar month that it feels like being steamed.
But when I sit in the tranquil study room, the temperature feels just comfortable.
He describes the view from his study.
Outside the window is the west mountain.
Lotus and pampas grass grow beautifully together in the clear water.
Water birds fly through the woods now and then, and the wind blows through quietly with soothing fragrance.
The extreme happiness of reading under such an environment can hardly be understood by common people.
What he's saying here is lucky me.