Jiang Kui was a native of Hui’an (now in Fujian). He was a Jinshi in the seventh year of Chunyou (1247) during the reign of Emperor Lizong. He was once a professor in Quanzhou. The story is recorded in Volume 12 of Hui’an County Chronicles of the Jiajing Period of the Ming Dynasty. Here are two poems. This is the second poem Jiang Kui wrote to sing the praises of jasmine. In the short poem of four sentences and 28 words, the poet did not write directly about the beauty of jasmine, but after reading it, it left a very deep and unforgettable impression on the readers. This shows the author’s ingenuity.
江奎，惠安（今属福建）人。理宗淳祐七年（一二四七）进士。尝为泉州教授。事见明嘉靖《惠安县志》卷一二。今录诗二首。这是江奎写的第二首歌咏茉莉花的诗。诗人在短短四句二十八字的小诗中，没有一句直写茉莉花之美，但读后却给读者留下了极为深刻、难忘的印象。可见作者之匠心。
江奎·《茉莉》
虽无艳态惊群目，幸有清香压九秋。
应是仙娥宴归去，醉来掉下玉搔头。
Jasmine
Jiang Kui
Albeit she fails to surprise the multitudinous fairs due to lack of charming complexion,
Luckily, her delicate fragrance suffices to overwhelm all the fall florets through its permeation.
This very flower must be, upon the return of fairy Chang E from a feast of jubilation.
An incarnate jade hairpin lost unaware in her intoxication.
