Definition
Cui Hao (Chinese: 崔浩; 704 – 754) was a Chinese poet and government official of the Tang dynasty, recognized for his contributions to early Tang poetry and for his participation in the literary and political circles of his time.
Overview
Born in 704 in what is now Henan province, Cui Hao passed the imperial examinations and entered civil service, eventually attaining the rank of zhongshu lang (中書郎) in the Secretariat. He was a contemporary of prominent poets such as Li Bai and Du Fu and participated in the celebrated "Night Revels in the Capital" (都城夜宴) gatherings. Cui Hao’s poetic output, though not extensive, includes a number of gushi (古詩) and jueju (絕句) that display refined diction and a balance between formal elegance and personal sentiment. His work was later anthologized in the Quan Tangshi (全唐詩), where fifteen of his poems are preserved. Cui Hao died in 754, reportedly in an official capacity while serving in the western regions of the empire.
Etymology/Origin
The surname Cui (崔) is a common Chinese family name of Han origin. The given name Hao (浩) means “vast” or “grand” in classical Chinese, a meaning often chosen for its auspicious connotations. The parenthetical designation “(poet)” distinguishes him from other historical figures named Cui Hao, such as the 6th‑century Northern Wei scholar‑official Cui Hao (崔浩).
Characteristics
- Stylistic traits: Cui Hao’s poems are noted for their concise imagery, measured tone, and adherence to the regulated verse forms that were becoming standard in the High Tang period.
- Thematic concerns: His verses frequently explore themes of nature, the transience of life, and the responsibilities of an official, reflecting both personal reflection and Confucian moral ideals.
- Literary influence: While not as widely celebrated as Li Bai or Du Fu, Cui Hao is regarded by scholars as part of the transitional generation that helped solidify the aesthetic standards of Tang poetry, influencing subsequent poets in the mid‑Tang era.
Related Topics
- Tang dynasty poetry
- Quan Tangshi (Complete Tang Poems)
- Imperial examination system
- Contemporary poets: Li Bai, Du Fu, Wang Wei
- Chinese regulated verse (律詩)
- Literary gatherings of the Tang court (e.g., “Night Revels in the Capital”)