Qing Ping Tune (Part I) - Li Bai
/清平调(其一) - 李白/
A Radiant Glimpse of Blossoms Under Golden Light
云想衣裳花想容，
Clouds imagine your robes; flowers envision your face
春风拂槛露华浓。
In spring’s gentle breeze by the balustrade, dew deepens in grace
若非群玉山头见，
Were you not glimpsed atop the lofty Jade Mountain place
会向瑶台月下逢。
Then I would seek you beneath moonlight in the Jade Palace’s embrace
“Qing Ping Tune (Part I)” is the first of a trio of poems written by Li Bai, one of China’s most revered Tang Dynasty poets. Though its subject is often interpreted as a tribute to the legendary beauty of Imperial Consort Yang, it can equally be read as a broader homage to grace, elegance, and ethereal allure. The poem begins by likening the figure’s garments to clouds, her beauty to flowers—exalting a vision so sublime that it transcends everyday experience.
The setting suggests a moment of quiet reflection against nature’s abundant splendor: spring breezes stir, and dew forms luxuriously. By evoking images of the “Jade Mountain” and “Jade Palace,” Li Bai elevates this beauty to mythical heights, implying it resides beyond mere mortal reach. Yet, he also implies that such extraordinary grace can be found, if only fleetingly, in the union of moonlight and imagination.
Combining vivid imagery and a refined diction typical of Tang poetry, Li Bai creates a sense of wonder that highlights the connection between the natural world and human emotion. Although penned centuries ago, the poem’s longing for and reverence toward transcendent beauty continues to resonate with readers today, reflecting Li Bai’s enduring skill in capturing universal sentiments within timeless, evocative verses.
Key points
• Highlights the Tang Dynasty’s admiration of idealized beauty
• Seamlessly intertwines nature imagery with emotional expression
• Demonstrates Li Bai’s refined poetic style and skillful use of metaphor
• Suggests beauty’s transcendent quality, existing between the earthly and the divine
