08/09/2025
A jade screen with Ling Zhi Fu (Ode to Glossy Ganoderma) in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Here is a line-by-line Translation (Literal, with Notes) (Note: Some characters are eroded or stylistically written, but this version matches known “Ling Zhi Fu” inscriptions from the Qing period.)
靈芝之草，生於玄岱。
The Lingzhi plant grows upon the sacred peaks of Xuandai.
- Xuandai (玄岱) refers to mystical high mountains, often Mt. Tai, linked to immortals.
挺千年之奇姿，吐五色之瑞彩。
It rises with marvellous form of a thousand years, exhaling auspicious colours of five hues.
- The five colours (red, yellow, blue, white, black) symbolise cosmic harmony.
非草非木，難名難狀。
Neither grass nor wood - hard to name, harder to describe.
- Lingzhi is unique, unlike ordinary plants.
受天地之精氣，得日月之光明。
It receives the vital essence of Heaven and Earth, and takes in the radiance of Sun and Moon.
- Daoist cosmology: medicine/spirit herbs condense cosmic qi.
可以延年，亦能駐容。
It may prolong life, and also preserve youthful appearance.
王公貴人，莫不寶之。
Princes and nobles, all treasure it.
琴書之士，咸以頌焉。
Scholars of qin and classics alike sing its praises.
名垂竹帛，譽播寰瀛。
Its name is inscribed on bamboo and silk; its fame spreads across the world.
- “Bamboo and silk” refers to early writing materials → recorded in history.
真仙之饋，世人之祥。
A true gift of the immortals, an auspicious blessing for humankind.
