Su dong po poems

He was a multi-talented man, with art, calligraphy and gastronomy added to his literary skills. He had a keen interest in pharmacology and was an important political figure, working against the New Policy party that was led by Wang Anshi. His many written works include authoritative pieces on travel experiences in China and he wrote knowledgeably about the early days of the iron industry in Asia.

His name lives today for many reasons, not least the fact that a popular dish found in Hangzhou cuisine is called Dongpo pork. Su was born on the 8 th January in Meishan, close to Mount Omei. This is now in the Sichuan province of China and he attended his local village school receiving tuition from a Taoist priest. Both of his parents and his brother were very well educated so it followed that Su should also become so.

Along with his brother Zhe he studied for high level civil service exams in order to reach the standard known as jinshi which was a sure pathway to high office in government.

Burton watson selected poems of su tung p o port townsend washington copper canyon press 1994

He soon came to the attention of Emperor Renzong who tasked one of his high profile courtiers, the writer and statesman Ouyang Xiu, to set exacting standards for the two brothers in their attempts to pass the jinshi examinations. Both passed with honours and, thus, their paths were clear to high office. Su filled a number of posts in government over the years and he also served as a magistrate.

He maintained a strong social conscience though and wrote poems and letters to the Emperor pointing out the potential for rebellion amongst the oppressed workers in the iron industry.