Yao Peisheng’s Literary Venture: A Bridge between Chinese and Russian Cultures
At 78 years of age, Yao Peisheng, former Chinese ambassador and cultural enthusiast, embarked on a remarkable literary journey. He teamed up with a Russian poet to release the Chinese-Russian bilingual series titled Classics in Paintings. This series comprises three distinct volumes: The Book of Poetry in Paintings (The Book of Songs), Tang Poetry in Paintings, and Song Lyrics in Paintings, showcasing classical Chinese literature.
For those unfamiliar with Yao’s background, his venture into literature, especially at this stage of his life, is nothing short of extraordinary. Yet, delving deeper reveals that Yao’s three-decade-long diplomatic service, combined with a post-retirement affinity for literature and linguistics, has positioned him uniquely. Yao isn’t just penning down words; he’s crafting bridges, enabling the spread of traditional Chinese literary works beyond its borders.
Yao’s mission extends beyond personal fulfillment. He envisions this collaboration as a catalyst, encouraging fellow translators to combine efforts, thereby augmenting the scope and depth of cultural exchanges. “Cultural interactions foster friendship and peace across nations and ethnicities,” Yao shared with the Global Times. He emphasized that, despite distinct cultural backgrounds, the central themes advocating trust, friendship, and positivity remain constant. This conviction propelled Yao’s dedication to bolstering Chinese-Russian cultural dialogues even after spending over 30 years in diplomacy.
Prominence of the Bilingual Works
The bilingual edition of Classics in Paintings acts as a portal, inviting Russian-speaking readers and enthusiasts of both languages to delve into the profound world of ancient Chinese poetry. The volumes encompass seminal works like The Book of Songs, Tang Poetry, and Song Lyrics, renowned for their representation of ancient Chinese poetic expression.
To augment understanding, many translations are supplemented with annotations. These texts are enriched with exquisite illustrations, amalgamating both classical and contemporary art forms, featuring pieces by illustrious artists like the late Chen Peiqiu.
After six dedicated years, a team of Chinese and Russian scholars translated over 300 classical Chinese poems. Remarkably, Song Lyrics in Paintings stands out as the pioneering collection of Russian-translated Song Lyrics.
Yao highlighted a significant challenge: while Russian and other former Soviet Sinologists have engaged with Chinese culture translations since the 18th century, the intricate nuances of the Chinese language often resulted in ambiguous or imprecise translations.
In the near future, Yao aims to provide a holistic translation of The Book of Songs, China’s earliest poetic anthology, reflecting commoners’ aspirations for serenity and joy. Currently, only a third of the anthology’s 305 poems are translated. An all-encompassing translation will not only foster in-depth explorations into classical Chinese literature but also support Russian readers in grasping the Chinese language. Furthermore, Yao intends to reevaluate Song Lyrics, refining its structure. He recognizes the intricacies involved and seeks expert consultation for resolution.
Throughout his journey, Yao’s ardor for literature and cultural exchange remains unwavering. This passion resonates vividly in his reminiscences and daily practices, such as his penchant for perusing old books, which was evident during his interview with the Global Times.
Diplomatic Chronicles
Yao’s diplomatic voyage began in 1973, serving as the Chinese ambassador across four former Soviet republics, including Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, and Kazakhstan, culminating in his retirement in 2006. Reflecting on his tenure, he recounted the inaugural China Culture Day in 2002 in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This celebration, marking a decade of China-Kazakhstan diplomatic ties, mesmerized locals with Chinese cultural exhibits and performances.
During his ambassadorship in Kazakhstan, Yao vividly recounted the narrative of Xian Xinghai, the esteemed Chinese composer who, amidst the turmoil of World War II, sought sanctuary in Kazakhstan, leaving an indelible mark on its national music. Spearheaded by Yao, the Chinese Embassy in Kazakhstan curated a commemorative volume, paying homage to Xian’s legacy, enriched with insights from both nations’ luminaries.
Yao’s origin traces back to a pastoral village near the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province. Born to agrarian parents, Yao commenced his Russian linguistic journey in 1958 during junior high school. This linguistic prowess flourished when he attended the Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1964. This robust linguistic foundation subsequently fortified his diplomatic endeavors. By early 1973, Yao had initiated his illustrious diplomatic career, starting with the Chinese Embassy in the erstwhile Soviet Union.
In the forthcoming phases of his literary voyage, Yao envisions extensive promotion of his translated works across Russian-speaking territories. He’s also exploring the prospect of multi-lingual translations, potentially encompassing eight languages prevalent in Central Asian and Baltic nations. Yao perceives immense value in this endeavor, illuminating pathways for global readers to immerse in classical Chinese literature in their native tongues. “Such an endeavor,” Yao asserts, “necessitates time and comprehensive collaboration.”
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