This paper explores the concept of leanness in Tang Song Ci in three aspects; external leanness, internal leanness derived from longingness, and internal leanness triggered by perceiving lean objects. As for external leanness, Tang Song Ci refers to apricot flowers and chrysanthemums - symbolic plants which persevere the winter cold and come into bloom. The first spring blossoms of apricot flowers symbolizes hope, so without any additional metaphors or emotional expressions, the implication and metaphorical nature of the image itself becomes an excellent medium for describing external objects and articulating thoughts in Ci. On the other hand, the Ci of the Subtle & Concise School in the age of late Tang and the five dynasty period abounds in poetry that depicts leanness caused by inner longing. The early Cis take the form of subtlety and conciseness and have the motif of ladies' longingness; the longing emotions between man and woman are portrayed in the image of leanness. The internal leanness triggered by perceiving lean objects is found in the Cis of late Tang and the five dynasty period as well as those in Song dynasty. Among them all, Li Qing Zhao's distinguished work stands out as they reflect her unique emotions regarding leanness, which developed from her feminine nature as well as her personal tragedy of being widowed and witnessing North Song fall. The same lean objects can be verbalized through different emotions by different poets, creating various meanings; the introspection by the self regarding the object leads to a variety of expressional forms.

This paper explores the concept of leanness in Tang Song Ci in three aspects; external leanness, internal leanness derived from longingness, and internal leanness triggered by perceiving lean objects. As for external leanness, Tang Song Ci refers to apricot flowers and chrysanthemums - symbolic plants which persevere the winter cold and come into bloom. The first spring blossoms of apricot flowers symbolizes hope, so without any additional metaphors or emotional expressions, the implication and metaphorical nature of the image itself becomes an excellent medium for describing external objects and articulating thoughts in Ci. On the other hand, the Ci of the Subtle & Concise School in the age of late Tang and the five dynasty period abounds in poetry that depicts leanness caused by inner longing. The early Cis take the form of subtlety and conciseness and have the motif of ladies' longingness; the longing emotions between man and woman are portrayed in the image of leanness. The internal leanness triggered by perceiving lean objects is found in the Cis of late Tang and the five dynasty period as well as those in Song dynasty. Among them all, Li Qing Zhao's distinguished work stands out as they reflect her unique emotions regarding leanness, which developed from her feminine nature as well as her personal tragedy of being widowed and witnessing North Song fall. The same lean objects can be verbalized through different emotions by different poets, creating various meanings; the introspection by the self regarding the object leads to a variety of expressional forms.