Gold Goblet Collection: 300 Three-Line Poems by Xu Yingcai (Paperback or Softback)

“Gold Goblet Collection—300 Three-Line Poems by Xu Yingcai” offers a captivating exploration of Chinese three-line poetry. Expanding on Xu’s previous work, “Chinese Three-Line Poetry: Theory and Techniques,” this collection brings the form to life through 300 poems that highlight its emotional depth and remarkable versatility.

The title, “Golden Goblet Collection,” symbolizes the refined and meaningful essence of three-line poetry. Just as a gold goblet holds fine wine, these poems distill profound reflections into a compact, elegant form that deepens with every reading. The three-line structure provides a perfect balance of brevity and depth, allowing readers to engage with complex emotions and ideas in a few carefully chosen lines.

A striking feature of Xu’s work is his vivid imagery. His metaphors leave a lasting impact, like comparing the Yangtze River to a sword or evoking nostalgia through a “rustic pouch” brimming with childhood memories. These powerful images breathe life into the poems, making them relatable and memorable.

Beyond showcasing technical mastery, Xu’s poetry delves into universal themes of nature, time, and the human condition. Each poem offers a moment of reflection, inviting readers to contemplate their own experiences and gain philosophical insights through simple yet profound language.

“Gold Goblet Collection” is a tribute to the power of simplicity. It serves as both an accessible introduction to three-line poetry and a source of inspiration for seasoned readers, illustrating the timeless beauty and potential of this ancient art form.

Author & translator: Xu Yingcai A university professor, translator, and poet. In the field of education, he has taught at Fudan University in China, McMaster University in Canada, and DePaul University in the United States, covering courses in various areas such as Classical and Modern Chinese language, Classical and Modern Chinese Literature, History of Chinese Cinema, Chinese Calligraphy Theory and Practice, and Chinese-English and English-Chinese Translation Theory and Practice. As a translator, he has published many works, including "A Selection from the Eight Great Prose Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties," "Selected Words of Contemporary Chinese Prose," "Selected Works of Classical Chinese Prose," "One Hundred Classic Chinese Poems," "Chinese Classic Culture Going Global Series: Essays Volume Three," and "In Other Words," and more. His translations have been given abroad as national gifts and used as university textbooks. His translation principles are "accuracy," "fidelity," and "coherence." As a poet, he has published collections such as "Selected Poems by Xu Yingcai," "One Hundred Three-Line Poems by Xu Yingcai," "Poetic Sense of the South," and "Inspiration from Nature." His poetic philosophy emphasizes simple and beautiful language, vivid imagery, expressing the heart's voice, and meaningful content. He strives to create lasting artistic concepts and to make his work shine. His "Chinese Three-Line Poetry Theory and Techniques" established the theoretical foundation of Chinese three-line poetry and clarified the distinctions between Chinese three-line poetry, Japanese haiku, and Chinese haiku. He is the founder and president of the Chinese Poetry Association, as well as the founder and chief editor of the bilingual Chinese-English poetry journal Poetry Hall.