The Writings of Zhang Keli

Zhang Keli (1935–2021) was a renowned scholar who specialized in the literature of the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties (220–589). Zhang’s research can be divided into three stages: the first, from 1978 to 1990, focusing on Jian’an literature; the second, from 1990 to 2009, centering on Eastern Jin (317–420) literature and art; and the final stage revolving around the historical materials of ancient Chinese literature.

As such, the first five volumes of The Writings of Zhang Keli are arranged in this order. In the sixth volume, the majority of the papers, articles, prefaces, postscripts, and book reviews are also related to the above three stages, while also extending to the literature of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420–589).

Jian’an literature represents a critical period in the history of Chinese literature. Here, “Jian’an” is closely related to yet distinct from the historical period known as “Jian’an” (196–220) during the reign of Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220). Although it shares the same name, Jian’an literature actually encompasses a longer timeframe, starting from the chaos caused by the warlord Dong Zhuo (189–192) or the outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion (184–204), ending with the death of Cao Zhi (192–232) or the accession of Emperor Cao Fang of the Cao Wei era (220–265) in 239.

Zhang defines Jian’an literature as spanning from the outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion in 184 during the reign of Emperor Ling of Han to 240. The literature of the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties also started from 184. While Jian’an was an era name during the rule of Emperor Xian, Jian’an literature actually falls within the category of Cao Wei literature within the framework of the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern dynasties.

Zhang subdivides the development of Jian’an literature into three stages. The first stage (184–204) ranges from the outbreak of the Yellow Turban Rebellion to the ninth year (204) of the Jian’an era, when then warlord Cao Cao conquered Yecheng [in present-day Linzhang County, Hebei Province]. This process marks the formative period of Jian’an literature. The flourishing stage (205–217) proceeds from the conquest of Yecheng to the 22nd year of the Jian’an era in 217, when Cao Pi was established as the crown prince of Cao Wei. The period of decline in Jian’an literature, spans from 218 to the first year of the Zhengshi era in 240 during the reign of Emperor Cao Fang.

Chen Qingyuan is a professor from the College of Chinese Language and Literature at Fujian Normal University (FJNU), and Chen Wei is an associate professor from the School of Communication at FJNU.