Her robe is a cloud, her face a Ro wer;
Her balcony, glimmering with the bright spring dew,
Is either the tip of earth's Jade Mountain
Or a moon-edged roof of paradise.
Original Poem
「清平调 · 其一」
李白
云想衣裳花想容，春风拂槛露华浓。
若非群玉山头见，会向瑶台月下逢。
Interpretation
This poem depicts the unparalleled beauty of Lady Yang Guifei through resplendent metaphors and exquisite imagery, showcasing her enchanting charm and noble grace. The poet employs celestial clouds and earthly peonies to mirror her attire and countenance, skillfully blending nature's beauty with human elegance to highlight her imperial majesty and transcendent charm.
First Couplet: "云想衣裳花想容，春风拂槛露华浓。"
Yún xiǎng yī cháng huā xiǎng róng, chūn fēng fú jiàn lù huá nóng.
Clouds recall her garments, flowers her face; Spring breeze caresses rails, dew enhances bloom's grace.
The poet crafts two masterful analogies: celestial clouds mirroring her flowing robes, and blooming peonies reflecting her peerless beauty. The dual use of "recall" not only establishes visual resemblance but conveys profound admiration. This cleverly connects Emperor Xuanzong's cherished "flower" with his beloved consort, making lady and peony reflect each other's splendor. The subsequent line, where spring breeze and morning dew intensify the flowers' radiance, simultaneously suggests Lady Yang's youthful brilliance and her privileged position of imperial favor.
Second Couplet: "若非群玉山头见，会向瑶台月下逢。"
Ruò fēi qún yù shān tóu jiàn, huì xiàng yáo tái yuè xià féng.
If not glimpsed atop Jade Peak's height, Then surely 'neath Moonlit Terrace bright.
The poet transports us from earthly scenes to celestial realms, using the mythical "Jade Peak" and "Moonlit Terrace" to suggest Lady Yang's divine beauty surpasses mortal standards. This hyperbolic technique not only elevates her to goddess-like status but reveals the poet's awestruck admiration. The blending of reality and fantasy creates ethereal imagery that enhances her otherworldly aura.
Critical Analysis
Through rich metaphorical language and imaginative associations, the poem constructs a dreamlike vision of Lady Yang's beauty. Progressing from tangible comparisons (clouds and flowers) to mythical realms (celestial peaks), the work ascends from concrete to abstract, endowing her charm with mystical qualities that transcend mere physical description.
Beneath the lavish praise lies subtle critique. The excessive deification of Lady Yang's beauty hints at Emperor Xuanzong's dangerous obsession, foreshadowing the political consequences of such devotion. Thus, the poem functions simultaneously as encomium and cautionary tale.
Artistic Features
- Masterful analogies: Natural imagery (clouds, peonies) creates vivid aesthetic impressions
- Reality-fantasy interplay: Earthly flowers transition to celestial abodes
- Progressive elevation: Ascends from material beauty to spiritual transcendence
- Palatial ambiance: Captures both imperial devotion and courtly extravagance
Insights
While celebrating legendary beauty, the poem quietly warns of the perils when power becomes entangled with personal passion. The very excesses that make Lady Yang's story immortal also serve as timeless reminders of governance's delicate balance between private affection and public duty.
Poem translator
Kiang Kanghu
About the poet
Li Bai (李白), 701 - 762 A.D., whose ancestral home was in Gansu, was preceded by Li Guang, a general of the Han Dynasty. Tang poetry is one of the brightest constellations in the history of Chinese literature, and one of the brightest stars is Li Bai.
