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Kao P’ien (821–887) was from Beijing. After serving in senior military posts along China’s northern, western, and southern frontiers, he was appointed military commissioner of the Huainan section of the Yangtze in 879 and successfully defended the key city of Yangchou against the rebel forces of Huang Ch’ao. However, he also intentionally avoided attacking the rebels in favor of protecting his own position, thus ensuring the end of the T’ang dynasty. Kao later died at the hands of Pi Shih-to, another bandit leader. Here, he anticipates the end of the dynasty, which is represented by the upside-down pavilion, and the beginning of a new dynasty, which is suggested by the moving curtain and rising breeze. The prickly rose, or Rosa acicularis, is known for its perfume. Here, its scented flowers refer to men of greater virtue than those who filled the court when this poem was written. No doubt Kao had in mind his friends and associates in the Yangchou area.

A Mountain Pavilion on a Summer Day

KAO P’IEN

The shade from trees is dense and summer days are long

an upside-down pavilion is mirrored in the pond

crystal curtains shimmer in the faintest wind

a trellis of roses fills the courtyard with perfume