锦囊佳制

jǐn náng jiā zhì
Literal: "brocade bag, excellent, composition"

📖 Meaning

An elegant expression referring to beautifully crafted poetic compositions. The phrase evokes the image of precious poems carefully stored in a brocade pouch, signifying verses of exceptional literary quality. It is used to praise refined and masterful poetic works.

📜 Origin Story

The idiom derives from the story of Li He (李贺), a brilliant poet of the Tang Dynasty known for his unconventional and vividly imaginative verse. Li He would ride out on a donkey carrying a brocade bag, jotting down poetic fragments whenever inspiration struck and placing them inside the pouch. Upon returning home, he would weave these fragments into complete poems. The phrase '锦囊佳制' thus came to denote exquisite poetic compositions worthy of being treasured in a brocade bag.

💡 Example Usage

他的诗集堪称锦囊佳制,每一首都值得细细品味。

His poetry collection can be regarded as a treasury of exquisite compositions, each poem worth savoring carefully.

🏷️ Category

➕ Similar Idioms

➖ Opposite Idioms

🔤 Quick Facts

  • Chinese: 锦囊佳制
  • Pinyin: jǐn náng jiā zhì
  • Literal Translation: brocade bag, excellent, composition
  • Category: Quality
  • Characters: 4