The Art of Writing

work by Lu Ji

Also known as: “Wen fu”, “Wenfu”

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July 15, 2026

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The Art of Writing, or Wenfu, is a significant work of literary criticism by the Chinese writer and critic Lu Ji. Written in the fu style, a blend of poetry and prose, it offers precise insights into the principles of composition. Lu Ji, who emerged from the Wu kingdom, was known for emphasizing originality in creative writing, moving away from the tradition of imitating past masters. Despite his execution on a false treason charge, his critical essay remains a key text in understanding Chinese literary thought.12

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Lu Ji
The Art of Writing), a subtle and important work of literary criticism that defines and demonstrates the principles of composition with rare insight and precision.
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The Art of Writing), a subtle and important work of literary criticism that defines and demonstrates the principles of composition with rare insight and precision.
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Chinese literature
Prose
…celebrated essay on literature (Wenfu), in which he enunciated this principle, was written as a fu, showing after all that he was a child of his own age. The 3rd/4th-century Daoist philosopher Ge Hong insisted that technique is no less essential to a writer than moral integrity. The revolt…
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…celebrated essay on literature (Wenfu), in which he enunciated this principle, was written as a fu, showing after all that he was a child of his own age. The 3rd/4th-century Daoist philosopher Ge Hong insisted that technique is no less essential to a writer than moral integrity. The revolt…
Read More