Word and figure: Sign structure of regulatory verses.

Abstract

One of the most significant examples of the numerological semiotics in Chinese culture is the principle of so-called “modern poetry” (or jinti shi, 今體詩). Time of the flourish of this genre, its strict formal regulations and special ritual significance (shi had become an obligatory part of the government exams) enable us to presume, that typical to Tang supporters of “Return to Antiquity” general aspiration to revive ancient knowledge of harmony and its basis — philisipho-mathematic model — have been vividly reflected here.

Keywords:

Chinese poetry, Tang period, Book of Changes, Yijing, ritual, numerology, rhythms, strophics, poetics, theory of traditional literatures