The eleventh syllable in the traditional Japanese Hiragana syllabary is “Ru” (“る”). In the picture card we can see a Japanese gentleman inspecting a massive gemstone, or perhaps a crystal ball, which is shining brilliantly on its portable display stand.

Translation

The word for “crystal” is “hari” in Japanese. In the proverb, two precious stones are mentioned, crystal, and lapis lazuli. The word for “lapis lazuli” is “ruri” in Japanese, and it is this “RUri” which provides us with the first syllable of the proverb – “RU”:

瑠璃も玻璃も照らせば光る。

“Ruri mo hari mo teraseba hikaru.”

Breakdown of the Proverb:

• 瑠璃 (ruri): Lapis lazuli, a precious blue stone.
• も (mo): “Also,” indicating inclusion of multiple things.
• 玻璃 (hari): Glass or crystal, typically clear and less valuable than a precious stone.
• 照らせば (teraseba): “If illuminated,” from the verb terasu (to shine on, illuminate), followed by the conditional -ba form.
• 光る (hikaru): “Shine” or “glitter.”

Literal Translation:

Both lapis lazuli and glass shine if illuminated.

My suggested translation:

Both Lapiz lazuli and crystal shine when illuminated.”

Interpretation

The proverb suggests that both valuable things (like 瑠璃 or lapis lazuli) and less valuable things (like 玻璃 or glass) will shine when light is cast upon them. In a broader sense, it means that everything has its own inherent beauty or value when given the chance to shine or show its true qualities.

This proverb is usually taken to mean that talented people will shine when given an opportunity, and in doing so, they will shine with their own particular colour or quality.

Figurative Translation:

• “Both the precious and the ordinary will shine when light is cast upon them.”
• “Everyone has his own qualities that will stand out if given the right circumstances.”

This kotowaza reflects the idea that potential and beauty can be found in all things, regardless of initial appearances or perceived value – whether it’s something precious like lapis lazuli or something common such as crystal or even glass. Both glass and lapis lazuli can shine under the right conditions.