I diciannove Canti per calcare il vuoto (buxuci 步虛詞) di Wei Qumou 韋渠牟 (749-801)

Abstract

The essay aims to present part of the poetic work of the Tang dynasty 唐朝 (618-907) poet Wei Qumou 韋渠牟 (749-801). Nineteen poems of the buxu 步虛 genre are translated here, representing almost entirely what has been handed down to us of his poetic production. This kind of poetry is distinguished by the theme: a description of the poet’s journey beyond the world of mortals, which ends by visiting the deities that reside in the constellation of Ursa Major, thanks to meditation, alchemical practices and knowledge of sacred texts.