- Classical Forms: Many Asian poetic traditions have well-established classical forms with specific structures, such as the Chinese Shi poetry, the Japanese Haiku, Tanka, and Renga, and the Korean sijo.
- Nature and Landscape: Nature imagery and observations of landscapes often play a significant role in Asian poetry, evoking emotions, philosophical insights, and spiritual connections.
- Symbolism and Metaphor: Asian poetry frequently employs symbolism, metaphor, and allusion to convey deeper meanings, often drawing from cultural, religious, and historical references.
- Economy of Language: Brevity and conciseness are valued in many Asian poetic traditions, with a focus on conveying complex ideas in a limited number of words.
- Philosophy and Spirituality: Asian poetry often explores philosophical and spiritual themes, ranging from Confucian ideals to Buddhist teachings and Zen principles.
- Seasonal Awareness: Sensitivity to the changing seasons is a notable aspect of Asian poetry, particularly in Japanese Haiku and Chinese nature poems.
- Calligraphy and Poetic Art: In some Asian traditions, calligraphy and visual representation of poetry are considered integral elements, elevating the text to an artistic form.
It's important to note that the term "Asian poetry" encompasses various regions, cultures, and languages, and its traditions have been influenced by cultural exchanges and historical events over time. This brief overview provides a glimpse into some common characteristics of Asian poetry, but it is by no means an exhaustive description of its immense diversity and richness.