Abstract: Images of the female in Tang poetry are kaleidoscopic and, when examined through the lens of diet-related poetry, lives of women of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) appear multiple faceted. They are working women shouldering the responsibility of daily family diet; they are noblewomen indulging in luxurious banquets; and they are banquet goers displaying a myriad of emotions ... Through the unique and rich literary medium of Tang dynasty dietary poetry, female images from different social strata are vividly portrayed to collectively project a panorama of Tang women. These poems, more than capturing the diligence and wisdom of working women in family food preparation, critically expose the luxury and emptiness of noblewomen in banquet culture as well as their intricate, dynamic emotions in a profound manner. Depiction of these female images not only showcases the distinctive grace and allure of Tang women, but also reflects the profound social structures, gender roles, and cultural customs of the Tang Dynasty.

Key words: dietary poetry, woman of the Tang Dynasty, emotional landscape, unique demeanor