Origins & Early Life

Li Shangyin (Chinese: 李商隱; pinyin: Lǐ Shāngyǐn, c. 813–858), courtesy name Yishan (Chinese: 義山), was a Chinese poet and politician of the late Tang dynasty, born in the Henei Commandery (now Qinyang, Henan). He is noted for his imagist and "no-title" (Chinese: 無題; pinyin: wútí) poetic style. Li has been frequently anthologized, and many of his poems have been translated into various languages, including several collections in English.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Li Shangyin was born in 812 or 813 CE. The exact date is uncertain. His career was rough, and he never obtained a high-ranking position, because of either factional disputes or his association with Liu Fen (劉蕡), a prominent opponent of the eunuchs. Li lived at a time when the Tang dynasty was rapidly declining, after 200 years of prosperity. Culturally, politically, and economically, the Tang was one of the greatest periods in Chinese history.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The cosmopolitan capital of Chang'an was filled with traders from the Middle East and other parts of Asia where many Asian vassal states sent envoys to pay tribute. The empire covered a vast territory, the largest yet in Chinese history. Under the reign of Emperors Gaozuyi...

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