Taiwan lyricist Vincent Fang donated a celadon panel inscribed with his calligraphy to the National Museum of Modern Chinese Literature in Beijing on Thursday.
Fang is best known for his lyrics written for pop star Jay Chou, which are heavily influenced by traditional Chinese culture.
During the donation ceremony organized by the museum and The Writers Publishing House, Fang discussed the differences between pop lyrics and modern poetry. He explained how pop lyrics serve the expression of universal emotions and how rhyming words enhance the musicality of the lyrics.
He also shared his appreciation for Song Dynasty (960-1279) poetry and the genre's influence on his work.
Since 2006, The Writers Publishing House has published two of Fang's poetry collections and a book of his interpreting the traditional cultural connotations behind his lyrics.
At the event, Yan Hui, deputy editor-in-chief of the publishing house, said that in the realm of Chinese pop culture, Fang's lyrics embody the dialogue between tradition and modernity, revitalizing the essence of ancient poetry within pop melodies and making cultural heritage audible, tangible and relevant.
His work has a profound impact on the Chinese music scene, she added.
