The article deals with the problem of genesis of the famous Chinese poetic tradition, usually referred to as the verses of Chu {chuci), and is centered around the history of the compilation of the Chuci zhangju {Chapter and Verse Commentary on the Verses of Chu) collection by Wang Yi (2nd century A.D.), which is traditionally considered the basic text for all subsequent Chuci {Chu Verese) editions. Through the analysis of factual data and modem academic points of view about Wang Yi’s life and 65 activities, the author argues that it is impossible to establish either the exact time of creation or the original composition of the Chuci zhangju, which further raises doubts about the authenticity of not only this collection, but also the entire chuci poetic tradition.