I have a terrible confession to make here: the source text doesn't say cover at all, it says pillow.
In my defence, they did have embroidered bedspreads as well, which were also stitched with images of birds, because in theory birds mate for life, so they were a symbol of eternal love (as well as being beautiful things to have in your home). I was substituting one standard image for another very closely related one. But I have to admit, I did cheat there, for the sake of the rhyme.
To answer your question, though... I have pretty much zero understanding of the textiles of Tang China. All I know is that this was over 1000 years ago, so they obviously weren't working with modern fibres. I imagine that they had wool for warmth, and then brocade for splendour, so I'm guessing that the fancy stitching was on silk brocade over-blankets and pillow covers.
The line is simply meant to convey that his bed was not warmed by the energetic young body of any concubine, and certainly not by energetic action; only his frosty old bones lay in it, so it was cold. Beyond that, the precise mechanics of rich Tang Dynasty bedding are a mystery.
I love the way you're using slant rhymes as I read through: they don't break the sense of exquisite simplicity (which conveys so much, so transparently). All the mirrored sounds create a really delicate and unforced effect. Thank you so much for these. (And for your commentary.)
are you referring to 衾, Phil? the online dictionaries I've checked simply say it means coverlet or quilt, so your translation stands. The word apparently appeared as early as the Book of Songs (Shiji) referring to 'coverlet, quilt or bedding'. But even if that was not the case, its a perfectly acceptable translation strategy to substitute a word with a closely related one for the sake of bringing meaning together with rhythm and flow. Stephen Owen also translates it as quilt. he has "the kingfisher quilts were cold without someone to share." So you are in good company.
Heartbreaking. Heartbreakingly beautiful. Thank you, not just for your expertise in Chinese and English, Phil H, but your heart.
Gorgeous-- Beautiful on a snowy morning.
The kingfisher marriage cover
Was cold as ice - is this like a modern bedspread?
I have a terrible confession to make here: the source text doesn't say cover at all, it says pillow.
In my defence, they did have embroidered bedspreads as well, which were also stitched with images of birds, because in theory birds mate for life, so they were a symbol of eternal love (as well as being beautiful things to have in your home). I was substituting one standard image for another very closely related one. But I have to admit, I did cheat there, for the sake of the rhyme.
To answer your question, though... I have pretty much zero understanding of the textiles of Tang China. All I know is that this was over 1000 years ago, so they obviously weren't working with modern fibres. I imagine that they had wool for warmth, and then brocade for splendour, so I'm guessing that the fancy stitching was on silk brocade over-blankets and pillow covers.
The line is simply meant to convey that his bed was not warmed by the energetic young body of any concubine, and certainly not by energetic action; only his frosty old bones lay in it, so it was cold. Beyond that, the precise mechanics of rich Tang Dynasty bedding are a mystery.
I love the way you're using slant rhymes as I read through: they don't break the sense of exquisite simplicity (which conveys so much, so transparently). All the mirrored sounds create a really delicate and unforced effect. Thank you so much for these. (And for your commentary.)
are you referring to 衾, Phil? the online dictionaries I've checked simply say it means coverlet or quilt, so your translation stands. The word apparently appeared as early as the Book of Songs (Shiji) referring to 'coverlet, quilt or bedding'. But even if that was not the case, its a perfectly acceptable translation strategy to substitute a word with a closely related one for the sake of bringing meaning together with rhythm and flow. Stephen Owen also translates it as quilt. he has "the kingfisher quilts were cold without someone to share." So you are in good company.
Oh, you're right! I seem to have had a little brain attack there, and confused 衾 with 枕. So the translation stands, that's good to know.
Your translation Phil is so honourable it actually makes me feel sorry for Xuanzong.