「三閭大夫」考 : あわせて楚國公族の興衰について

Abstract

This article aims to explain the historical background of the Chu title of San Lü Daifu, held by the poet Qu Yuan when serving as an official in charge of the affairs of the three aristocratic clans of Zhao, Qu, and Jing. Through interpretations of inscriptions and manuscripts from the Warring States Period, the author suggests that the clan name of Zhao was derived from King Zhao of Chu, the name of Qu from King Wu of Chu, and that of Jing from King Ping of Chu. As for King Ping, an inscription on a bronze bell unearthed in Hubei in 1973 reveals that his posthumous name was originally Jing Ping, thus indicating the kinship with the Jing clan. Moreover, the author discusses certain historical events involving these three clans and the fate of the state of Chu, focusing on King Ping's notorious marriage to a daughter of the Qin ruler--a liaison which led to Chu first being occupied by the state of Wu, and subsequently rescued by Qin.