📖 Meaning
Refers to extraordinarily precious and rare calligraphy or painting materials. By extension, it denotes any writing or painting implement of exceptional rarity and value. The phrase evokes a sense of wonder at the sacredness of the written word.
📜 Origin Story
The idiom originates from Wang Jia's 'Shiyiji' (Records of Gleanings) written during the Jin dynasty. It describes an episode during the reign of King Ling of Zhou, when envoys from the legendary state of Futi presented two mysterious men skilled in calligraphy who could shift between youth and old age and become invisible at will. From their elbows they drew a four-inch golden pot sealed with five dragons and blue clay, containing ink as thick as lacquer; when spilled upon the ground or rocks, it instantly formed characters in seal, clerical, and tadpole scripts.
💡 Example Usage
这件宋代御墨被收藏家视为金壶墨汁般的稀世珍宝，世代珍藏。
This Song dynasty imperial inkstick is treasured by collectors as a rare gem akin to the legendary golden pot of ink, kept and passed down through generations.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 金壶墨汁
- Pinyin: jīn hú mò zhī
- Literal Translation: golden pot, ink, juice
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4