璞玉

璞玉

1. uncut or unpolished jade

   • 今有璞玉於此，雖萬鎰，必使玉人彫琢之。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     今有璞玉于此，虽万镒，必使玉人雕琢之。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Mencius, c. 4^th century BCE, translated based on James Legge's version

     Jīn yǒu púyù yú cǐ, suī wàn yì, bì shǐ yùrén diāozhuó zhī. [Pinyin]

     Here now you have a a piece of jade, unwrought, in the stone, though it may be worth 10,000 yi, you'll still surely employ a lapidary to cut and polish it.

   • 宋之鄙人得璞玉而獻之子罕。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     宋之鄙人得璞玉而献之子罕。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Han Feizi, circa 2^nd century BCE

     Sòng zhī bǐrén dé púyù ér xiàn zhī Zǐhǎn. [Pinyin]

     A person from the country of Song obtained an uncut piece of jade and gave it to Zihan.