📖 Meaning
Refers to the legendary Pearl of Marquis Sui and the Heshibi jade disk, two of the most fabled treasures in Chinese history. Used figuratively to describe anything of extraordinary rarity and immense value, whether objects or outstanding talents.
📜 Origin Story
The 'Sui pearl' originates from a story in the Warring States period, when Marquis Sui saved a wounded serpent and was later rewarded by the serpent spirit with a luminous, priceless pearl. The 'He jade' (Heshibi) traces to the Spring and Autumn period, when Bian He discovered a raw jade stone and presented it to King Li of Chu, who dismissed it as worthless and had He's left foot cut off. He presented it again to King Wu, who likewise punished him by cutting off his right foot. Only under King Wen was the stone finally cut open, revealing the most flawless jade ever known, which later became the imperial seal of China. Together, these two treasures symbolize the pinnacle of preciousness.
💡 Example Usage
馆中所藏，件件皆是隋珠和璧，令人叹为观止。
Every piece in the museum's collection is a treasure of the highest order, leaving visitors utterly awestruck.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 隋珠和璧
- Pinyin: suí zhū hé bì
- Literal Translation: Sui pearl, He jade
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4