📖 Meaning
Originally referring to two prized peony varieties cultivated in Song Dynasty Luoyang—the Yao family's yellow peony (姚黄) and the Wei family's purple peony (魏紫)—the phrase now broadly denotes any exceptionally precious or noble flower. It is interchangeable with the more common form 姚黄魏紫.
📜 Origin Story
During the Northern Song Dynasty, Luoyang was celebrated as the peony capital of China, where noble families competed to cultivate the finest blooms. The Yao family developed a renowned yellow peony known as 姚黄 (Yao Yellow), while the Wei family grew a celebrated deep-purple peony called 魏紫 (Wei Purple). These two varieties were regarded as the finest peonies of their era, coveted by scholars, officials, and the imperial court alike. Over time, the phrase 姚黄魏品 became a literary shorthand for any flower of outstanding rarity and beauty.
💡 Example Usage
园中的牡丹姚黄魏品，每株都价值连城，引得游人争相观赏。
The peonies in the garden—the precious Yao Yellow and Wei Purple varieties—were each invaluable, drawing crowds of visitors eager to admire them.
🏷️ Category
➕ Similar Idioms
➖ Opposite Idioms
🔤 Quick Facts
- Chinese: 姚黄魏品
- Pinyin: yáo huáng wèi pǐn
- Literal Translation: Yao, yellow, Wei, variety
- Category: Quality
- Characters: 4