In the “Jade Terrace” Style #3, Quan Deyu

[lnhammer]

Concealed, revealed by a thin silk jacket,
Her delicate jade-like wrist is round.
We meet by chance—while she won’t speak,
A barest smile’s behind her fan.

玉台体 之三
隐映罗衫薄，
轻盈玉腕圆。
相逢不肯语，
微笑画屏前。

Lost in translation: the fan is “painted.”

---L.

Comments

[mekare]

Am I right that seeing a wrist is the Chinese equivalent of seeing a Victorian ankle?
Thank you for the translation!

[lnhammer]

It certainly seems to be!

ETA Eh, hit Reply too fast. Meant to add, honestly I'm entirely clear on whether it's seeing a wrist at all or how it's white and round that catches his attention.

[sovay]

Lost in translation: the fan is “painted.”

Don't care, still great.

[lnhammer]

I was pretty sure that was an acceptable loss, but good to get confirmation. Thanks.