中英雙語話中國民風民俗 第142期:玉的歷史

history about Jade

玉的歷史

People believed that jade was the expression of the most beautiful stone. A beautiful piece can be more valuable than fifteen cities and a man’s life. Historic records tell of a story about a stanch man named Bian He who had a piece of jade called ‘ Heshi Bi ’ which was said to be the most priceless treasure in history. However, when Bian He discovered the piece, it was hidden under the veil of the coarse stone in which it laid. He did not dare to carve it but instead dedicated it to the King of State Chu. He never knew that he would pay two legs for his dedication, for the king did not know the real value of the Jade and cut Bian He's legs off. He cried for three days and nights. Afterwards, the new king heard of him and wanted to see whether his jade was as precious as he said. When the jade was cut, all were startled by the delicate quality very soon, it became a national treasure and was called 'Heshi Bi'. So precious was the stone that it even became a source of conflict between the Qin State and Zhao State.

人們認爲玉是最美麗的石頭。一塊上好的玉可超過十五個城市和一個人的生命的價值。歷史記錄講述了一個關於一個叫狴犴的人，有一塊翡翠被稱爲“和氏璧”，據說這是歷史上的無價之寶。然而，當狴犴發現一塊時，它被說成是粗石和被隱藏。他不敢雕刻它，而是獻給了楚國的國王。他不知道他會由此付出兩條腿，因爲楚王不知道翡翠的真正價值。他哭了三天三夜。之後，新國王聽說過他，想看看他的玉是否如他所說一樣珍貴。當玉被切開，裏面精美的質量使人震驚，很快它成爲了國寶，被稱爲“和氏璧”。玉是如此珍貴以至於成爲秦國和趙國之間衝突的根源。