# Yuan Zhen

> Chinese poet

**Wikidata**: [Q468709](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q468709)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuan_Zhen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yuan-zhen

## Summary
Yuan Zhen (779–831) was a Chinese poet, writer, and calligrapher during the Tang dynasty. He is best known for his contributions to poetry and his role as Chancellor of the Tang dynasty in 822, though his literary works are more celebrated than his political career.

## Biography
- Born: 779 in Luoyang
- Nationality: Tang dynasty
- Education: Not specified in source material
- Known for: Poetry, calligraphy, and political service
- Employer(s): Tang dynasty government (as Chancellor)
- Field(s): Literature, calligraphy, politics

## Contributions
Yuan Zhen is primarily known for his literary works, including poetry and calligraphy. He served as Chancellor of the Tang dynasty from 822 until his death in 831, though his political career is less significant than his artistic achievements. His works were compiled in historical records such as the *Wanxiaotang Huazhuan* and the *Old Book of Tang*.

## FAQs
**What was Yuan Zhen's primary occupation?**
Yuan Zhen was a poet, writer, and calligrapher, though he also held the political position of Chancellor of the Tang dynasty.

**Where was Yuan Zhen born?**
Yuan Zhen was born in Luoyang, China.

**What is Yuan Zhen best known for?**
Yuan Zhen is best known for his poetry and calligraphy, though he served as a high-ranking official in the Tang dynasty.

**Did Yuan Zhen have any notable literary works?**
While specific works are not listed in the source material, his contributions to Tang dynasty literature are documented in historical compilations like the *Wanxiaotang Huazhuan*.

**What was Yuan Zhen's political role?**
Yuan Zhen served as Chancellor of the Tang dynasty from 822 until his death in 831.

## Why They Matter
Yuan Zhen's legacy lies in his literary and artistic contributions to the Tang dynasty. Though his political career was brief, his poetry and calligraphy have been preserved in historical records, making him a notable figure in Chinese literary history. His works continue to be studied and referenced in academic discussions of Tang dynasty culture.

## Notable For
- Served as Chancellor of the Tang dynasty (822–831)
- Known for poetry and calligraphy
- Documented in historical compilations such as the *Wanxiaotang Huazhuan* and the *Old Book of Tang*
- Recognized in encyclopedic references like the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia* and *Encyclopædia Britannica*

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Yuan Zhen was born in 779 in Luoyang, a city in the Tang dynasty. His ancestral home was in Luoyang County, and he was part of the Yuan clan of Henan. His father was Yuan Kuan, and he had at least one child, Yuan Daohu. He was married to Pei Shu and Wei Cong.

### Literary and Artistic Career
Yuan Zhen is primarily known for his contributions to poetry and calligraphy. He was a prolific writer and calligrapher, though specific works are not detailed in the source material. His poetry and artistic skills were widely recognized during his lifetime.

### Political Career
Yuan Zhen served as Chancellor of the Tang dynasty from 822 until his death in 831. His political career was brief but notable, as he held a high-ranking position in the imperial government. He died in Jiangxia District, Tang dynasty.

### Legacy and Influence
Yuan Zhen's legacy is preserved in historical records, including the *Wanxiaotang Huazhuan* and the *Old Book of Tang*. His works have been referenced in academic discussions of Tang dynasty literature and culture. He is also mentioned in encyclopedic sources such as the *Great Soviet Encyclopedia* and *Encyclopædia Britannica*.

### Personal Life
Yuan Zhen was married to Pei Shu and Wei Cong, and he had at least one child, Yuan Daohu. He was known by various aliases, including Weiming, Yuan caizi, Weizhi, Yüan Chen, and 元微之. His courtesy names were 微之 and 威明.

### Death and Burial
Yuan Zhen died in 831 and was buried in Xianyang County. His death and burial details are documented in historical records.

### Recognition and Honors
Yuan Zhen's contributions to literature and calligraphy have been recognized in various encyclopedic and bibliographic references, including the *Concise Literary Encyclopedia* and the *Encyclopedia of China*. He is also referenced in academic databases such as the *National Library of China* and the *Academia Sinica*.

### Cultural Impact
Yuan Zhen's works continue to be studied and referenced in academic discussions of Tang dynasty culture. His poetry and calligraphy have left a lasting impact on Chinese literary history.

## References

1. China Biographical Database
2. International Standard Name Identifier
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. CiNii Research
5. Integrated Authority File
6. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
7. Digital Library for Dutch Literature
8. Faceted Application of Subject Terminology
9. Encyclopædia Universalis
10. CONOR.SI
11. BnF authorities
12. The LiederNet Archive
13. Trove
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. CERL Thesaurus
16. Catalogo of the National Library of India