Jian’an Poetry

Jian’an Poetry refers to a style of Chinese poetry from the late Eastern Han Dynasty (around 196-220 CE), associated with the Jian’an period. It is characterized by its direct, often emotional language that reflects the turbulent social and political climate of the time, including war, hardship, and personal loss. Writers like Cao Cao and his sons produced works that blend personal reflection with patriotic fervor. This poetry is significant for its focus on realism, the expression of individual feelings, and its influence on later Chinese poetic traditions.