Ji Kang

Ji Kang (Chinese: 嵇康, 223–262), sometimes referred to as Xi Kang, courtesy name Shuye (叔夜, "Uncle Evening"), was a Chinese writer, poet, Daoist philosopher, musician and alchemist of the Three Kingdoms period. He was one of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove who engaged in separating themselves from the dangerous political situation of third-century China in favour of devoting themselves to a life of art and leisure.

Ji Kang
嵇康
Attendant Counsellor (中散大夫)
In office
? (?) – ? (?)
MonarchCao Mao / Cao Huan
Personal details
Born223
Suixi County, Anhui
Died262 (aged 39)
Luoyang, Henan
Spouse(s)Cao Lin's daughter
RelationsJi Xi (brother)
Children
  • Ji Shao
  • one daughter
FatherJi Zhao
OccupationWriter, poet, philosopher, musician, alchemist
Courtesy nameShuye (叔夜)
Ji Kang
Chinese嵇康
This is a Chinese name; the family name is Ji.

Ji Kang is noted as an author and famous for having been a composer and guqin-player. He was described as a handsome and tall man (approximately 1.88 metres).

Life

As a thinker, Ji Kang wrote on longevity, music theory, politics and ethics. Among his works were Yangsheng Lun (飬生論, Essay on Nourishing Life), Shengwu Aile Lun (聲無哀樂論, Discourse on [the nature of ] sounds [as] not having sorrow or joy, i. e. On the Absence of Sentiments in Music), Qin Fu (琴賦, A Composition on the Qin), and Shisi Lun (釋私論, Discourse on Individuality). As a musician, Ji Kang composed a number of solo pieces for the qin.

Ji Kang was highly critical of Confucianism and challenged many social conventions of his time. As such, he was considered scandalous and seditious. He married Cao Cao's granddaughter (or great-granddaughter according to some). Ji Kang assumed a post under the Cao Wei state, but was not particularly interested in government work. When the regent Sima Zhao came to power, he intended to grant Ji Kang a position as a civil official. However, Ji Kang was uncooperative and behaved insolently towards Zhong Hui, whom Sima Zhao sent to convey his offer. Later, one of Ji Kang's friends was imprisoned after being framed. Ji Kang defended him and testified in his case, and was also sent to jail as a result. Following Zhong Hui's advice, Sima Zhao sentenced Ji Kang to death. 3,000 scholars signed a petition to release him, but the appeal was denied. Before his execution, Ji Kang asked for his guqin and played his swan song, which music is presumed to be forever lost.[1]

Ji Kang wrote Guangling San, a composition for the Guqin which tells the story of the assassination of the king of Han. It was said to be inspired by a spirit visitation, and was met with widespread acclaim.[2]

See also

References
  1. "Romance of the Three Kingdoms Groups/Bands • the Scholars of Shen Zhou".
  2. Lai, T.C. and Mok, Robert (1981). Jade Flute: The Story of Chinese Music. Schocken Books, New York.

Further reading
  • Owen, Stephen [translator], Swartz, Wendy [translator], Tian, Xiaofei [editor], Warner, Ding Xiang [editor] (2017). The Poetry of Ruan Ji and Xi Kang . De Gruyter Mouton. ISBN 978-1-5015-0387-0
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