Ji (机) or verve here refers to artistic verve, or vitality, and focuses on the natural ingenuity reflected in the conceptualization and structure of a work of art, while qu (趣) or appeal here refers to aesthetic appeal, emphasizing narrative and verbal techniques used in creating images and expressing emotions. This concept is mainly used in theories of play-writing, and also in poetics and theories of painting and calligraphy. It was put forth as a concept for artistic creation by Li Yu ( 1611- 1680 ), a scholar of the late Ming and early Qing period. He advocated that plays should show natural ingenuity in their structural conceptualization as well as deploy lively and appealing language, and that literary creation should be integrated with real life, which means real life should inspire literature and literature should capture real life. Li Yu’s theory exerted a considerable influence on the development of classic drama theories in China. As a technique for artistic creation, the term jiqu articulated a specific way to express the beauty of an art work both in its content and form. It argued against trite and obsolete expressions, and showed an interest in pursuing artistic perspicacity and transcendental beauty resplendent with vivid images and lively expressions. This concept is also used in poetry criticism later.

Verve and appeal are indispensable key elements in writing plays. Artistic verve is the soul of chuanqi (legendary play) masterpieces while aesthetic appeal gives them stylish charm. Without those two, the chuanqi masterpieces would be nothing but lifeless clay figures in spite of their lifelike appearance. (Li Yu: Occasional Notes with Leisure Motions)

At first sight, this ci poem appears to be composed without much effort. However, a close reading will enable readers to feel its artistic verve and aesthetic appeal. (Chen Tingzhuo: A Collection of the Best Ci Poems)

The classical poems by Zhao Yi are insightful in content and ripe with artistic verve and aesthetic appeal. They represent a truly refreshing style of poetry. (Pan Qing: Remarks on Poems from Yicui Studio)