A Rediscovery of the Underrecognised Status of Yuan Jie 元結 (719–772) in Shaping Landscape Literature: With Special Reference to the Comparison Between Yuan Jie and Liu Zongyuan 柳宗元 (773–819)

Tang (618–907) landscape literature is epitomised by Liu Zongyuan’s “Yongzhou baji” 永州八記 (Eight Records of Yongzhou). Following Wu Rulun, later scholars largely saw Yuan Jie as a precursor to Liu Zongyuan’s landscape prose, emphasising the former’s significance in pre-and post-mid-Tang landscape literature and considering both as key figures in Tang landscape writing. However, scholars have yet to thoroughly explore previous assessments of Yuan Jie’s landscape poetry and prose or his status and significance within the genre. This article expands the current research by examining how Yuan Jie’s work was selected in Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) anthologies and how earlier scholars discovered his writings. In addition to comparing the poetry and prose of Yuan Jie and Liu Zongyuan from the perspective of compilation, the similarities and differences between their landscape literature are analysed to further illustrate Yuan Jie’s literary achievements.