Li He

Li He, a notable Chinese poet of the mid-Tang dynasty, was born in the year seven hundred ninety. Known by his courtesy name Changji, he also went by the names Guicai and Shigui. Despite his talent, he faced obstacles in his pursuit of a literary career, notably being barred from taking the imperial examination due to a naming taboo.

His life was tragically short, marked by a frail and sickly appearance. Nevertheless, Li He was a dedicated poet, often embarking on journeys during the day. He would capture fleeting lines of poetry as they came to him, later refining these thoughts into complete works upon returning home in the evening.

Li He's poetry is renowned for its exploration of ghostly, supernatural, and fantastic themes. His unique style garnered admiration and imitation throughout China until the Qing dynasty. However, changing literary tastes during this period led to a decline in his popularity, with his works notably absent from the esteemed anthology, the Three Hundred Tang Poems.

Despite this setback, the twentieth century saw a resurgence of interest in Li He, with his contributions to literature being recognized once more. Among the Tang poets, he was particularly admired by influential figures such as Mao Zedong, solidifying his place in the Chinese literary canon.