Li Shangyin

Li Shangyin, 李商隱 (between 810 and 813- 858), was a Chinese poet of the late Tang dynasty, born in Huizhou in Hunan province.

Li had a moderately successful career in the government service, although he never obtained a high position; either because of factional disputes, or because of his association with Liu Ben, a prominent opponent of the eunuchs.

Li was a typical Late Tang poet: his works are sensuous, dense and allusive. The latter quality makes adequate translation extremely difficult. Many of his poems have political, romantic or philosophical implications, but it is often unclear which of these should be read into each work. However there is no denial of the richness and beauty of his best works.

External link

• Biography, Chinese texts and translations.