Pearl: The Queen of Jewelry

Author: Zhou Peiling
Editor-in-Chief: Liu Qing et al.
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-03-01
Features: Synopsis
This is a popular science book written for general readers. The book is themed around pearls and is divided into four parts: Culture, Appreciation and Identification, Jewelry and Wearing, and Business Knowledge. Using simple language, it tells you about the legends of pearls, why pearls are known as the "stone of longevity," the current design styles and styles of pearl jewelry, how to identify pearls, how to choose and wear pearls based on personal style, and how to care for pearls. Additionally, it analyzes the domestic and international market of pearls and market trends.
Excerpt:
Chapter 1: The Culture of Pearls
China is an ancient land of pearls, with records of pearls dating back to 2200 BC. According to the Shangshu·Yu Gong, freshwater pearls were produced in the Huai River as early as 4,000 years ago during the Xia Dynasty, known as "Huai Yi Ben Zhu," and were even designated as tribute. In subsequent ancient texts such as the Book of Songs, Classic of Mountains and Seas, Erya, Guanzi, and I Ching, there are records of pearls. The Gezhi Jingyuan·Zhu Tang Jis that King Wen of Zhou adorned his hair with pearls. Therefore, it is generally believed that the use of pearls for decoration in China began during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Throughout the long history of pearls accompanying humanity, they have not only been used as material wealth, becoming beautiful ornaments and precious medicines, but have also been integrated into the long river of human culture. In the long history of Chinese civilization, pearls have left behind a series of myths, stories, and legends, and have also become the theme for many classical novels, idioms, and legendary tales. For thousands of years, their brilliance has shone on the crowns of emperors, the decorations of noblewomen, and the thrones of Buddha statues, becoming symbols of nobility, wealth, political power, and high official rank.
1. The Pearl of the Prince of Suo
In the Lanming Training of the Huainanzi, it is said: "Like the pearl of the Prince of Suo." The annotation reads: "The Prince of Suo was a vassal state in the east of the Han Dynasty, of the Ji clan. The Prince of Suo saw a large snake with a broken neck and applied medicine to it. Later, the snake returned to the river and brought back a large pearl. The pearl was over an inch in diameter, pure white, and emitted a light as bright as the moon at night, capable of illuminating a room. Thus, it was called the 'Pearl of the Prince of Suo.'"
Additionally, in the Huavi Zongshu edition of the Search for Spirits, it is said that the Prince of Suo was sent on a mission to the state of Qi and encountered an injured snake on the way. Two months later, when he returned along the same route, a child appeared, holding a bright pearl and blocking his path to give it to him. The Prince of Suo refused and left without looking back. That night, he dreamed that the child held the pearl and said to him, "I am the snake. I was saved by your kindness and have now come to repay my debt. Please accept it." Startled awake, he found a pearl by his bedside and felt moved to say, "Even an injured snake knows the importance of repaying kindness, yet humans do not!"
Over time, the legend evolved, with the plot becoming more detailed and vivid. The Pearl of Suo became as famous in Chinese history as the Heshibi, and it is widely circulated.