九(jiu)(jiu)鼎,是中國(guo)的代名詞,以及王權(quan)(quan)至高無(wu)上(shang)、國(guo)家統一昌(chang)盛(sheng)的象(xiang)征。夏朝、商朝、周(zhou)朝三代奉為象(xiang)征國(guo)家政權(quan)(quan)的傳國(guo)之寶。戰(zhan)國(guo)時(shi),秦、楚皆有(you)興師到周(zhou)王城(cheng)洛(luo)邑求鼎之事。周(zhou)顯王時(shi),九(jiu)(jiu)鼎沒于泗水下(xia)。后(hou)世(shi)帝王非常(chang)看重(zhong)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎的權(quan)(quan)利象(xiang)征與意義,亦曾(ceng)屢(lv)次重(zhong)鑄九(jiu)(jiu)鼎,武則(ze)天、宋(song)徽宗也曾(ceng)鑄九(jiu)(jiu)鼎。
相傳,夏朝初年,夏王(wang)大禹(yu)劃分天(tian)下為九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou),令(ling)九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)州(zhou)牧貢(gong)獻青銅,鑄造九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding),象征九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou),將全國(guo)九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)的名(ming)山大川、奇異之物鐫刻于九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)之身,以一鼎(ding)象征一州(zhou),并將九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)集中于夏王(wang)朝都城。
《史記·封禪書(shu)》:“禹收九牧之金,鑄(zhu)九鼎。皆嘗亨鬺(shang)上帝鬼神。遭圣則興,鼎遷于夏商。周德衰,宋之社(she)亡,鼎乃淪沒,伏(fu)而不見。”
九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding),據(ju)傳是大(da)禹在(zai)建立夏(xia)朝以(yi)后(hou),用(yong)(yong)(yong)天下(xia)九(jiu)(jiu)牧所(suo)貢之(zhi)(zhi)銅鑄成(cheng)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding),象征(zheng)九(jiu)(jiu)州。商代時(shi),對表示王室(shi)貴族身份的(de)(de)鼎(ding),曾有嚴(yan)格的(de)(de)規定:士用(yong)(yong)(yong)一鼎(ding)或三鼎(ding),大(da)夫用(yong)(yong)(yong)五鼎(ding),諸侯用(yong)(yong)(yong)七(qi)鼎(ding),而天子(zi)(zi)才能用(yong)(yong)(yong)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding),祭祀(si)天地祖(zu)先時(shi)行(xing)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)大(da)禮(li)。因(yin)此,‘鼎(ding)’很(hen)自(zi)然地成(cheng)為國家擁有政權的(de)(de)象征(zheng),進而成(cheng)為國家傳國寶器。《墨子(zi)(zi)·耕注》:夏(xia)后(hou)氏失之(zhi)(zhi),殷人受之(zhi)(zhi);殷人失之(zhi)(zhi),周人受之(zhi)(zhi)。夏(xia)后(hou)、殷、周之(zhi)(zhi)相受也。
商湯逐走夏桀后,將(jiang)九(jiu)鼎遷至其都。盤庚定都于殷后,九(jiu)鼎遷移至此。
周(zhou)武(wu)王(wang)(wang)滅商(shang)后,曾(ceng)公(gong)開展示九鼎(ding)。周(zhou)成王(wang)(wang)即位(wei)后,周(zhou)公(gong)旦營(ying)造洛邑,將九鼎(ding)置于該(gai)城,并請成王(wang)(wang)親自(zi)主持祭(ji)禮,將九鼎(ding)安放在明堂之中。史記周(zhou)本紀載:成在豐(feng),使召公(gong)復營(ying)洛邑,如武(wu)王(wang)(wang)之意。周(zhou)公(gong)復卜(bu)申(shen)視,卒營(ying)筑(zhu),居九鼎(ding)焉。
東周(zhou)開始后,周(zhou)朝王(wang)(wang)室(shi)衰落(luo),各諸(zhu)侯開始覬覦王(wang)(wang)權。周(zhou)定王(wang)(wang)時,楚莊王(wang)(wang)首次于(yu)洛邑(yi)“問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)鼎之(zhi)輕(qing)重(zhong)”,被周(zhou)大(da)夫王(wang)(wang)孫滿駁回。后楚靈(ling)王(wang)(wang)一(yi)度也動(dong)心問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)鼎,因國內(nei)發生(sheng)叛亂(luan),未(wei)果。(八年,伐陸(lu)渾戎,遂至洛,觀兵于(yu)周(zhou)郊。周(zhou)定王(wang)(wang)使王(wang)(wang)孫滿勞楚王(wang)(wang)。楚王(wang)(wang)問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)鼎小大(da)輕(qing)重(zhong),對(dui)曰(yue):“在(zai)德不在(zai)鼎。周(zhou)德雖衰,天命(ming)未(wei)改。鼎之(zhi)輕(qing)重(zhong),未(wei)可問(wen)(wen)(wen)(wen)也。”楚王(wang)(wang)乃歸。)
秦惠王時,張儀制定策略,希望能奪得九鼎以號令(ling)諸(zhu)侯,楚頃襄(xiang)王(wang)(wang)、齊國國王(wang)(wang)亦(yi)希(xi)望爭奪寶鼎。周赧王(wang)(wang)周旋于兩國以及(ji)魏國、韓國之間,令(ling)其相互制(zhi)約,得(de)保九鼎不(bu)失(shi)。
秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)四年(nian)(前307年(nian)),秦(qin)國攻占韓(han)國重鎮宜陽(yang)。秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)大(da)喜,引任鄙、孟賁一班勇士到宜陽(yang)巡視(shi),然后直(zhi)入(ru)洛(luo)陽(yang),以窺(kui)周室。周赧(nan)王(wang)(wang)遣使郊迎(ying),秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)直(zhi)接入(ru)太廟明堂中欲窺(kui)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)。秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)圍(wei)著九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)觀(guan)覽一番,贊嘆不已。秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)指雍字一鼎(ding)(ding)嘆道:“此(ci)雍州之鼎(ding)(ding),乃秦(qin)鼎(ding)(ding)也,寡人當(dang)攜歸咸(xian)陽(yang)。”守(shou)鼎(ding)(ding)的官吏說:“此(ci)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)定(ding)鼎(ding)(ding)于(yu)此(ci),未曾(ceng)移(yi)動(dong),每鼎(ding)(ding)有千鈞之重,無(wu)人能舉。”秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)盡(jin)(jin)平生之力,將鼎(ding)(ding)抬離地半尺(chi)。正(zheng)(zheng)要(yao)邁步(bu),不覺(jue)力盡(jin)(jin)失手(shou),鼎(ding)(ding)墜于(yu)地,正(zheng)(zheng)壓在武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)右(you)足上,喀嚓一聲,將脛骨壓斷(duan)。眾人急忙把他扶歸公館(guan),秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)疼痛難(nan)忍,血(xue)流不止,挨(ai)至半夜,氣絕而亡。秦(qin)武(wu)(wu)(wu)王(wang)(wang)即位(wei)時(shi)曾(ceng)言:“得游鞏、洛(luo),生死無(wu)恨。”今日果然死于(yu)洛(luo)陽(yang)。
武(wu)王竟(jing)至周(zhou),而(er)卒于周(zhou)。其弟(di)立,為昭王。
秦(qin)(qin)昭襄(xiang)王(wang)在位時期,周(zhou)赧王(wang)駕崩(beng),周(zhou)民遂東亡。秦(qin)(qin)取九鼎(ding)寶器(qi),而遷(qian)西(xi)周(zhou)公于(yu)憚狐。后(hou)七歲,秦(qin)(qin)莊襄(xiang)王(wang)滅東周(zhou)。東西(xi)周(zhou)皆入于(yu)秦(qin)(qin),周(zhou)既不祀。
據說(shuo),秦(qin)滅周后第二年即把周王室的九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)西遷咸陽。但到秦(qin)始(shi)皇(huang)滅六國(guo),統一天(tian)下時(shi),九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)已不知(zhi)下落。有(you)(you)(you)人說(shuo)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)沉沒在泗水彭(peng)城,秦(qin)始(shi)皇(huang)出巡泗水彭(peng)城地(di)方,曾派人潛水打撈,結果徒(tu)勞無功。也有(you)(you)(you)史學家認(ren)為(wei),九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)并非是九(jiu)(jiu)個,而是只有(you)(you)(you)一個,因為(wei)代表九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou),也叫九(jiu)(jiu)州(zhou)鼎(ding),簡稱九(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)。
武則(ze)(ze)天登基后的(de)女皇要利用儒(ru)、佛、道的(de)思想來(lai)鞏固地位。制禮作樂,向來(lai)是(shi)帝王的(de)能事。武則(ze)(ze)天享明堂、置七寶(bao)、封神(shen)岳、作大樂、鑄(zhu)九鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)。九鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)是(shi)古代象征國家(jia)政權的(de)傳國之寶(bao)。相傳禹鑄(zhu)九鼎(ding)(ding)(ding),以象九州(zhou)。武則(ze)(ze)天知九鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)難(nan)求,遂重新鑄(zhu)之。神(shen)功元年(697)四月(yue),鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)成,置于洛(luo)陽(yang)明堂當(dang)中,神(shen)都(dou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)永昌,高一丈八尺(chi),容(rong)1,800石。冀州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)武興,雍州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)長安,兗州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)日觀(guan),青州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)少陽(yang),徐州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)東(dong)原,揚州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)江(jiang)都(dou),荊州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)江(jiang)陵(ling),梁(liang)州(zhou)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)名(ming)(ming)成都(dou),均高一丈四尺(chi),容(rong)1,200石,各(ge)圖山川(chuan)物產(chan)于其上(shang),共用銅(tong)56萬余斤。
如《資治通鑒(jian)》引(yin)記:“則天(tian)(tian)順(shun)圣皇后(hou)中之(zhi)(zhi)下(xia)神功元年(697)……夏,四月,鑄九(jiu)鼎成,徙置(zhi)通天(tian)(tian)宮。豫州鼎高(gao)丈八尺(chi),受千(qian)(qian)八百(bai)石(三十(shi)斤(jin)為(wei)鈞(jun),四鈞(jun)為(wei)石。即(ji)1,800x120=216,000斤(jin));梁(liang)州高(gao)丈四尺(chi),受千(qian)(qian)二百(bai)石;各圖山川物產于(yu)其上,共用(yong)銅五十(shi)六萬(wan)七百(bai)余斤(jin)。太(tai)后(hou)欲以黃金千(qian)(qian)兩涂(tu)之(zhi)(zhi),姚濤曰:“九(jiu)鼎神器(qi),貴(gui)于(yu)天(tian)(tian)質自(zi)然。且臣觀其五采煥炳相雜,不待金色以為(wei)炫耀。”太(tai)后(hou)從之(zhi)(zhi)。自(zi)玄武門曳入,令宰相、諸王(wang)帥南北牙宿(su)衛兵十(shi)余萬(wan)人并仗內大牛、白(bai)象(xiang)共曳之(zhi)(zhi)。
如《宋史》所記(ji):“崇寧四年(nian)(nian)(1105年(nian)(nian))三(san)月(yue),鑄九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),用金(jin)甚厚,取九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)州水土內鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)中(zhong)。”宋徽宗以銅二十二萬斤鑄造九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),裝飾以黃金(jin),并(bing)仿(fang)明(ming)堂,在汴京中(zhong)太一宮之(zhi)(zhi)南(nan)(nan)建(jian)造九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)成宮,內有九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)室,陳列九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)。中(zhong)央(yang)之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)為(wei)帝鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),東方(fang)(fang)(fang)為(wei)蒼(cang)(cang)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),南(nan)(nan)方(fang)(fang)(fang)為(wei)彤鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),北方(fang)(fang)(fang)為(wei)寶鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),東北為(wei)牡鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),東南(nan)(nan)為(wei)岡鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),西(xi)(xi)南(nan)(nan)為(wei)阜鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),西(xi)(xi)方(fang)(fang)(fang)為(wei)晶鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding),西(xi)(xi)北為(wei)魁(kui)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)。政和七(qi)年(nian)(nian)(1112年(nian)(nian))又(you)鑄造了“神霄(xiao)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”,分別命名為(wei)“太極飛云洞劫(jie)之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“蒼(cang)(cang)梧祀天貯醇(chun)之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“山岳五神之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“精明(ming)洞淵之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“天地陰陽(yang)之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“混沌之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“浮(fu)光(guang)洞天之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“靈光(guang)晃(huang)曜(yao)煉神之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”、“蒼(cang)(cang)龜大蛇蟲魚金(jin)輪之(zhi)(zhi)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)(ding)”。
大禹鑄的九鼎是(shi)什么式(shi)樣(yang)?是(shi)方是(shi)圓?是(shi)四足(zu)還是(shi)三足(zu)?鼎內外有(you)什么銘文(wen)和紋飾?至今(jin)無所考(kao)稽。
唯獨《史記·趙世家》中提到九鼎之(zhi)一的雍州鼎為龍(long)(long)文,赤色。“十八年,秦武(wu)王與孟說舉龍(long)(long)文赤鼎,絕臏(bin)而死。”
宋代胡三省注《資治通鑒》曰:“八月,王與孟說舉鼎(ding),絕(jue)脈(mo)而薨(hong)。脈(mo),莫獲(huo)翻(fan)。脈(mo)者(zhe),系絡臟腑,其血理分行(xing)于支體之間,人舉重而力不(bu)能勝,故脈(mo)絕(jue)而死(si)。按《史記(ji)·甘(gan)茂傳》云:武王至周(zhou)(zhou)而卒于周(zhou)(zhou)。蓋舉鼎(ding)者(zhe),舉九(jiu)鼎(ding)也。《世家》以為龍文赤鼎(ding)。”
又《拾遺記》卷二載(zai)曰:“禹鑄九鼎(ding),五者以(yi)(yi)應(ying)陽(yang)(yang)法,四者以(yi)(yi)象(xiang)(xiang)陰數(shu)。使工師以(yi)(yi)雌金(jin)為陰鼎(ding),以(yi)(yi)雄金(jin)為陽(yang)(yang)鼎(ding)。鼎(ding)中(zhong)常滿,以(yi)(yi)占氣象(xiang)(xiang)之(zhi)(zhi)休否。當夏桀之(zhi)(zhi)世(shi),鼎(ding)水忽沸。及周將末,九鼎(ding)咸震。皆(jie)應(ying)滅(mie)亡(wang)之(zhi)(zhi)兆。后世(shi)圣(sheng)人(ren),因禹之(zhi)(zhi)跡,代(dai)(dai)代(dai)(dai)鑄鼎(ding)焉(yan)。”
以上雄金(jin)、雌金(jin)的(de)含(han)義諸書無(wu)解,大概是(shi)指合金(jin)的(de)硬度而言。“以占氣象(xiang)之休否”就是(shi)測國(guo)運之興衰(shuai)。可見,鼎從容器(qi)、炊具(ju)、到祭器(qi)、禮器(qi)、又到寶器(qi)、神器(qi),代(dai)代(dai)演變(bian)已(yi)徹底改(gai)變(bian)了實際用途(tu),變(bian)成了國(guo)家供奉(feng)的(de)神物。
大禹(yu)九鼎之紋飾(shi)(shi)雖無實物(wu)可證,據現已出土的當時(shi)陶器紋飾(shi)(shi)推測(ce),也(ye)不外于獸面類(lei)(lei)、龍鳳(feng)類(lei)(lei)、動物(wu)類(lei)(lei)、云雷類(lei)(lei)、火類(lei)(lei)、幾(ji)何類(lei)(lei)等。
夏代(dai)的(de)(de)青銅(tong)(tong)鑄造業(ye),已相當(dang)發達。青銅(tong)(tong)是銅(tong)(tong)和錫(xi)的(de)(de)合金,熔點(dian)低,便(bian)于(yu)(yu)鑄造冶煉(lian)。夏代(dai)的(de)(de)煉(lian)銅(tong)(tong)業(ye)。古文獻中亦(yi)有(you)記載。《越絕書(shu)》卷十一(yi)日(ri):“禹穴之(zhi)時(shi),以銅(tong)(tong)為兵。”關(guan)于(yu)(yu)鑄造九鼎,《墨子·耕(geng)柱》曰:“昔(xi)日(ri)夏后(hou)開(啟)使蜚廉折金于(yu)(yu)山川,而陶鑄之(zhi)于(yu)(yu)昆吾,……九鼎既成(cheng),遷于(yu)(yu)三國。”三國指(zhi)夏、商(shang)、周(zhou)。《左傳》宣(xuan)公三年(nian)曰:“桀有(you)昏德,鼎遷于(yu)(yu)商(shang)。”即言(yan)此事(shi)。據考古材料(liao)證明,當(dang)時(shi)的(de)(de)奴隸在(zai)鑄造象(xiang)九鼎這樣的(de)(de)大型器(qi)件時(shi),一(yi)般是首先用質細的(de)(de)泥土制成(cheng)器(qi)范,再用木炭作燃料(liao),用銅(tong)(tong)制的(de)(de)坩(gan)鍋冶煉(lian)銅(tong)(tong),錫(xi)礦(kuang)塊,最(zui)后(hou)將(jiang)銅(tong)(tong)錫(xi)溶液注入范中,就成(cheng)為青銅(tong)(tong)器(qi)。
但《左傳》中談(tan)到九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)鑄造(zao)的(de)(de)情(qing)況是這樣的(de)(de):夏(xia)朝初年,大禹劃天(tian)(tian)下為九(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou),州(zhou)(zhou)設州(zhou)(zhou)牧。后夏(xia)啟(qi)令九(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou)牧貢獻青銅,鑄造(zao)九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)。事先(xian)派人把(ba)全國(guo)(guo)各州(zhou)(zhou)的(de)(de)名(ming)山大川(chuan)(chuan)、形(xing)(xing)勝之(zhi)(zhi)地、奇(qi)異之(zhi)(zhi)物畫(hua)成圖冊,然后派精選出(chu)來(lai)的(de)(de)著名(ming)工匠,將(jiang)這些畫(hua)仿(fang)刻(ke)于九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)之(zhi)(zhi)身,以一(yi)鼎(ding)(ding)象征(zheng)一(yi)州(zhou)(zhou)。所(suo)刻(ke)圖形(xing)(xing)亦反映(ying)(ying)該州(zhou)(zhou)山川(chuan)(chuan)名(ming)勝之(zhi)(zhi)狀。九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)象征(zheng)九(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou),反映(ying)(ying)了全國(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)統一(yi)和王(wang)權的(de)(de)高度(du)集中,顯示夏(xia)王(wang)已成為天(tian)(tian)下之(zhi)(zhi)共主,是順應“天(tian)(tian)命”的(de)(de)。正所(suo)謂:“普天(tian)(tian)之(zhi)(zhi)下,莫非王(wang)土(tu),率(lv)土(tu)之(zhi)(zhi)濱(bin),莫非王(wang)臣。”從此,九(jiu)州(zhou)(zhou)成為中國(guo)(guo)的(de)(de)代名(ming)詞(ci),“定鼎(ding)(ding)”,成為全國(guo)(guo)政權建立的(de)(de)代名(ming)詞(ci)了。
商湯逐走夏桀后,將九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)至(zhi)(zhi)其都。盤(pan)庚定都于殷后,九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)移至(zhi)(zhi)此。周(zhou)武王(wang)滅商后,曾公(gong)開展示九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)。周(zhou)成(cheng)王(wang)即位后,周(zhou)公(gong)旦營造雒(luo)邑,將九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)至(zhi)(zhi)該城,依武王(wang)之愿定鼎(ding)(ding)雒(luo)邑,并請成(cheng)王(wang)親自主持祭禮(li),將九(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)安放在太(tai)廟之中。
東周開始后,周朝王(wang)(wang)室衰落,各(ge)諸侯(hou)開始覬覦(yu)王(wang)(wang)權(quan)。周定王(wang)(wang)時,楚莊王(wang)(wang)首次“問鼎之輕(qing)重”,被(bei)周大夫王(wang)(wang)孫(sun)滿駁回。后楚靈王(wang)(wang)一度也動心問鼎,因國內發生叛(pan)亂,未果。
秦惠王(wang)時,張(zhang)儀(yi)制定策略,希(xi)望能奪得九鼎(ding)以號(hao)令諸侯,楚頃(qing)襄王(wang)與(yu)齊王(wang)亦(yi)希(xi)望爭奪寶鼎(ding)。周(zhou)赧王(wang)周(zhou)旋兩國以及魏國、韓國之間,使其相互制約,保九鼎(ding)不失。
關于九鼎的(de)下落,史(shi)家眾(zhong)說紛壇,不一而(er)足。
司(si)馬(ma)遷在(zai)(zai)(zai)他(ta)撰著(zhu)的(de)(de)《史記》一書(shu)中,對九鼎(ding)的(de)(de)記敘,就有(you)出入(ru),前(qian)(qian)(qian)后(hou)(hou)不(bu)一。如(ru):在(zai)(zai)(zai)周(zhou)、秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)二“本紀(ji)”中說(shuo)(shuo),秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)昭襄(xiang)王五十二年(nian)(公元前(qian)(qian)(qian)255年(nian)),周(zhou)赧王死,秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)從(cong)(cong)雒邑掠(lve)九鼎(ding)入(ru)秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)。但在(zai)(zai)(zai)《封禪(chan)書(shu)》中說(shuo)(shuo):“周(zhou)德衰,宋(song)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)社(she)亡(wang),鼎(ding)乃淪(lun)沒,伏而不(bu)見(jian)。”由后(hou)(hou)者分析,九鼎(ding)在(zai)(zai)(zai)秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)滅周(zhou)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)前(qian)(qian)(qian),即“宋(song)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)社(she)亡(wang)”時(shi),已經(jing)不(bu)見(jian);那么,前(qian)(qian)(qian)者所(suo)述(shu)(shu)秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)昭襄(xiang)王五十二年(nian),秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)從(cong)(cong)雒邑掠(lve)九鼎(ding)歸秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin),豈不(bu)是自(zi)相矛盾,令人費解(jie)!司(si)馬(ma)遷之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)后(hou)(hou),東漢的(de)(de)著(zhu)名史學(xue)家班固,在(zai)(zai)(zai)其(qi)所(suo)著(zhu)的(de)(de)《漢書(shu)》中,對九鼎(ding)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)下落,采取兼(jian)收并蓄之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)法,收錄了司(si)馬(ma)遷的(de)(de)上述(shu)(shu)兩(liang)說(shuo)(shuo),同時(shi),又補(bu)充了一條史料,說(shuo)(shuo)是在(zai)(zai)(zai)周(zhou)顯王四十二年(nian),即公元前(qian)(qian)(qian)327年(nian),九鼎(ding)沉沒在(zai)(zai)(zai)彭城(今(jin)江蘇(su)徐州)泗(si)水(shui)之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)下。后(hou)(hou)來秦(qin)(qin)(qin)(qin)始(shi)皇南巡之(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)(zhi)時(shi),派了幾千人在(zai)(zai)(zai)泗(si)水(shui)中進行打(da)撈(lao),畢竟(jing)是江水(shui)滔(tao)滔(tao),無從(cong)(cong)覓(mi)處,只(zhi)得(de)徒勞而返。
到了清代(dai)(dai),九(jiu)鼎(ding)之下落(luo)(luo)更加難以(yi)(yi)考察(cha)尋覓(mi)。后代(dai)(dai)史(shi)家只(zhi)能隨意加以(yi)(yi)揣測(ce)了。王(wang)先謙在(zai)(zai)《漢書補注(zhu)·郊(jiao)祀(si)志(zhi)》中(zhong)(zhong)認為:東周(zhou)王(wang)室在(zai)(zai)衰落(luo)(luo)的(de)(de)過程中(zhong)(zhong),已無力(li)量保護自己。而戰國(guo)時期各個實力(li)雄厚的(de)(de)諸侯(hou)國(guo),卻虎(hu)視眈眈,力(li)圖統一(yi)中(zhong)(zhong)國(guo),取周(zhou)而代(dai)(dai)之。因此(ci),象征王(wang)權和“天命所歸”的(de)(de)九(jiu)鼎(ding),自然(ran)成為各諸侯(hou)必欲奪(duo)之的(de)(de)稀世國(guo)寶;加之此(ci)時周(zhou)王(wang)室財(cai)政(zheng)困(kun)難,入不敷(fu)出(chu),于是銷毀九(jiu)鼎(ding)以(yi)(yi)鑄銅錢,對外則詭稱九(jiu)鼎(ding)已不知去向(xiang),甚至說其中(zhong)(zhong)一(yi)鼎(ding)已東飛沉人(ren)泗(si)水之中(zhong)(zhong),免得諸侯(hou)國(guo)興兵(bing)前來問鼎(ding),自找麻煩(fan),王(wang)光(guang)謙的(de)(de)說法雖似有理,但提(ti)不出(chu)任何一(yi)點史(shi)料加以(yi)(yi)證實,因此(ci),是使人(ren)難以(yi)(yi)置信的(de)(de)。
后世帝王亦曾屢(lv)次重鑄(zhu)九鼎,以武則天萬(wan)歲通天元年和宋徽宗崇寧三年兩次最為(wei)有名。
縱觀中國歷(li)代史籍,關(guan)于(yu)九鼎(ding)下(xia)落的(de)(de)材料雖多(duo),但往往自(zi)相矛(mao)盾,提不出充分可靠的(de)(de)依據,不禁讓人(ren)產(chan)生疑問:在(zai)地下(xia)埋藏的(de)(de)古(gu)物中,九鼎(ding)今天(tian)究竟是(shi)否(fou)還(huan)存(cun)在(zai)?在(zai)歷(li)史上,根據歷(li)代史書記載,它確實曾作為夏、商(shang)、周三代的(de)(de)鎮國之寶,傳承了(le)二(er)千年;并(bing)且,從(cong)未發現過古(gu)人(ren)關(guan)于(yu)它已銷(xiao)毀的(de)(de)歷(li)史記載。因此,九鼎(ding)的(de)(de)下(xia)落,至今仍是(shi)一(yi)個謎。或許,今后會有揭破這個千載之謎的(de)(de)一(yi)天(tian),那可能(neng)也是(shi)九鼎(ding)重見天(tian)日(ri)之時(shi)。
九(jiu)鼎,作為中國文明時代入口(kou)處的一塊里程(cheng)碑,已經(jing)遺(yi)失了2000多年(nian),它們(men)能否突然破(po)土而(er)出呢?這(zhe)是人們(men)經(jing)常關心的一個問題。
中國古代青銅(tong)工藝高度發達(da),傳(chuan)下了許多(duo)稀世之寶。然而就歷史(shi)價值而言(yan),卻沒有一(yi)件比得上夏朝(chao)的(de)(de)九鼎。后人將爭(zheng)奪政權(quan)稱為“定鼎”,就是因為三代以來(lai),九鼎一(yi)直被視為王權(quan)象征的(de)(de)緣故。
關于(yu)(yu)鑄(zhu)造(zao)(zao)九(jiu)鼎(ding),《墨子(zi)·耕柱》曰(yue):“昔日夏(xia)后開(啟)......九(jiu)鼎(ding)既(ji)成(cheng),遷于(yu)(yu)三(san)國(guo)(guo)。”三(san)國(guo)(guo)指夏(xia)、商(shang)、周。根(gen)據《左傳》宣公三(san)年(nian)(公元前606年(nian))的記載,夏(xia)朝(chao)初(chu)年(nian),令九(jiu)州(zhou)州(zhou)牧(mu)貢銅,鑄(zhu)造(zao)(zao)九(jiu)鼎(ding),事先將全國(guo)(guo)各(ge)地山(shan)川奇異之物畫成(cheng)圖形,然后分(fen)別(bie)刻于(yu)(yu)鼎(ding)身。九(jiu)鼎(ding)鑄(zhu)成(cheng)后,陳(chen)列于(yu)(yu)宮門之外,使人們(men)一看(kan)便知道(dao)所去之處,有哪些鬼神精怪,以(yi)避兇就吉,據說(shuo)此舉深得上(shang)天(tian)的贊美,因(yin)而夏(xia)朝(chao)獲(huo)得了(le)天(tian)帝的保佑(you)。
九(jiu)鼎一出世,就蒙上了(le)一層神秘(mi)色彩。其實,透過神話因素,就不難看出它的(de)政治價值(zhi)。再(zai)(zai)以九(jiu)州之銅鑄(zhu)成九(jiu)鼎,再(zai)(zai)以九(jiu)鼎象(xiang)征九(jiu)州,無非是要表明(ming)自(zi)己乃(nai)九(jiu)州之主,實現了(le)天下一統。
此后(hou),九鼎(ding)(ding)便成了三代傳國之寶。夏(xia)亡之后(hou),鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)于(yu)(yu)商,商亡之后(hou),鼎(ding)(ding)遷(qian)于(yu)(yu)周(zhou)。周(zhou)成王正(zheng)式定鼎(ding)(ding)于(yu)(yu)郟(今(jin)河南洛陽境內),表(biao)明(ming)天命之所歸。
春秋時期,隨著王(wang)室(shi)力量的衰落,強(qiang)大的諸(zhu)侯對(dui)九鼎便產(chan)生了覬覦之心。公元前606年,春秋五霸之一的楚(chu)莊(zhuang)王(wang),在整(zheng)飭內政,興修(xiu)水(shui)利,厲(li)行(xing)改革,國富(fu)兵強(qiang)的形(xing)勢之下,興兵攻擊陸(lu)渾之戎,逼近雒邑(yi)的郊外,周(zhou)定王(wang)被迫派(pai)人為(wei)他(ta)舉行(xing)慰勞歡迎(ying)之禮,莊(zhuang)王(wang)“問鼎小(xiao)大輕重”,表明了他(ta)有滅(mie)周(zhou)的野心。從此,后人將爭奪政權,稱(cheng)之為(wei)“問鼎”。
《戰國(guo)策》開篇東周策一(yi)《秦(qin)興(xing)師臨周求九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)章》就記載了(le)秦(qin)要(yao)侵略(lve)周奪取(qu)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)的故事(shi)。周人(ren)顏率(lv)有謀略(lve),先(xian)鼓動(dong)齊(qi)國(guo)幫助驅秦(qin),答應把九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)給齊(qi)國(guo),齊(qi)國(guo)來要(yao),顏率(lv)便(bian)問齊(qi)王(wang)走哪條路,結果都不(bu)合(he)適,還說九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)個(ge)(ge)(ge),一(yi)個(ge)(ge)(ge)要(yao)用(yong)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)萬人(ren),九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)八(ba)十一(yi)萬人(ren)方(fang)全能拉走,顏率(lv)又(you)說:“今大(da)(da)王(wang)縱有其人(ren),何(he)途之(zhi)從(cong)而出(chu)?臣竊為(wei)大(da)(da)王(wang)私憂(you)之(zhi)。”齊(qi)王(wang)曰(yue):“子(zi)之(zhi)數來者,猶無(wu)與耳。”顏率(lv)曰(yue):“不(bu)敢(gan)欺大(da)(da)國(guo),疾(ji)定(ding)所從(cong)出(chu),弊(bi)邑遷鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)以待命。”齊(qi)王(wang)就不(bu)再提拉九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)的事(shi)了(le)。從(cong)這里看九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)真夠重的,不(bu)過(guo)一(yi)定(ding)有夸張,但(dan)從(cong)這個(ge)(ge)(ge)文獻看,九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)鼎(ding)(ding)(ding)一(yi)定(ding)很重,還是九(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)(jiu)個(ge)(ge)(ge)。
《史記·周(zhou)本紀》:“定王(wang)元年,楚莊王(wang)伐(fa)陸渾之戎,次洛,使人(ren)問(wen)九(jiu)(jiu)鼎。王(wang)使王(wang)孫(sun)滿應(ying)設以辭(ci),楚兵乃去。”《史記·封禪(chan)書》:“禹(yu)(yu)收(shou)九(jiu)(jiu)牧之金,鑄九(jiu)(jiu)鼎。皆(jie)嘗亨鬺上帝(di)鬼神。遭(zao)圣則(ze)興(xing),鼎遷(qian)于夏商。周(zhou)德(de)衰,宋(song)之社亡,鼎乃淪沒,伏而(er)不(bu)見。”《史記·孝武(wu)本紀》:“禹(yu)(yu)收(shou)九(jiu)(jiu)牧之金,鑄九(jiu)(jiu)鼎,皆(jie)嘗鬺烹(peng)上帝(di)鬼神。”后亦以九(jiu)(jiu)鼎借(jie)指(zhi)國柄。
南(nan)朝宋(song)謝瞻《張子房詩(shi)》:“力政吞九鼎,苛慝暴(bao)三殤。”
宋(song)楊萬里《讀嚴(yan)子陵傳》詩(shi):“早遣阿瞞(man)移九鼎(ding),人間(jian)何處(chu)有嚴(yan)陵。”
明馮(feng)夢(meng)龍《東周列國志》第五十(shi)一回:“寡人聞大禹鑄有九鼎,三代相傳,以為世(shi)寶,今在(zai)雒陽。不知鼎形(xing)大小與其輕重何如?寡人愿一聞之(zhi)!”
清龔自珍《妙法蓮(lian)華經四十二問(wen)》:“諸經有(you)《法華》,王者之(zhi)有(you)九鼎,家業之(zhi)有(you)總帳(zhang)簿也(ye)。”
三國魏曹(cao)丕《與(yu)鐘(zhong)繇五(wu)熟釜書(shu)》:"昔有黃三鼎(ding)﹐周之九寶﹐咸以(yi)一(yi)體﹐使調一(yi)味。"詳"九鼎(ding)"。
《史(shi)記(ji)·平(ping)原君虞卿(qing)列傳》:“毛先生一至楚,而使趙重(zhong)於(wu)九鼎大呂。”司(si)馬貞索隱:“言毛遂(sui)至楚,使趙重(zhong)於(wu)九鼎大呂,言為天(tian)下所重(zhong)也。”
宋黃(huang)庭堅《次韻(yun)答叔原(yuan)會寂照房呈稚川(chuan)》:“聲(sheng)名九鼎重,冠(guan)蓋(gai)萬夫望。”
明(ming)張煌(huang)言(yan)《懷古》詩:“人定能勝天,一言(yan)重九鼎。”
1912年國(guo)民(min)政(zheng)府建立(li),陸軍部(bu)制(zhi)定《勛章(zhang)章(zhang)程》,規定勛章(zhang)種類為九鼎虎羆醒獅三種,每(mei)種各分九等。此后還公(gong)布過(guo)一些勛章(zhang),國(guo)民(min)政(zheng)府奠都南京后,上(shang)述勛章(zhang)全部(bu)廢(fei)止。
1、相傳夏禹(yu)鑄九(jiu)鼎,象征九(jiu)州,夏商周(zhou)(zhou)三代奉為象征國(guo)家政權(quan)的傳國(guo)之(zhi)寶。戰國(guo)時,秦楚(chu)皆有興師(shi)到(dao)周(zhou)(zhou)都雒陽問鼎之(zhi)事。周(zhou)(zhou)顯(xian)王時,九(jiu)鼎沒於泗水(shui)下(xia)。唐武后、宋(song)徽宗(zong)也曾鑄九(jiu)鼎。
①《史(shi)記·周本(ben)紀》:“定王元年,楚莊王伐陸渾之(zhi)戎,次洛,使人問九鼎。王使王孫(sun)滿應設以辭,楚兵乃(nai)去(qu)。”
②《史(shi)記·封禪書》:“禹收九(jiu)牧之(zhi)金,鑄九(jiu)鼎。皆(jie)嘗(chang)亨鬺上帝鬼神。遭圣(sheng)則興,鼎遷于夏商(shang)。周德(de)衰(shuai),宋之(zhi)社(she)亡(wang),鼎乃淪沒,伏而不見。”
③《史記(ji)·孝武本(ben)紀》:“禹收九(jiu)牧之金(jin),鑄九(jiu)鼎(ding),皆嘗鬺烹上帝鬼神。”后亦以(yi)九(jiu)鼎(ding)借指(zhi)國柄。
④南朝宋謝瞻《張子房詩》:“力政(zheng)吞九鼎,苛慝暴三殤(shang)。”
⑤宋楊萬(wan)里《讀嚴(yan)子(zi)陵(ling)傳(chuan)》詩:“早遣阿瞞移(yi)九鼎(ding),人間何(he)處有嚴(yan)陵(ling)。”
⑥明馮夢龍(long)《東周列(lie)國志》第五十一(yi)回:“寡人(ren)聞大(da)(da)禹鑄有九鼎(ding),三代相傳(chuan),以為世寶,今在雒陽。不知鼎(ding)形大(da)(da)小與其輕(qing)重何(he)如?寡人(ren)愿一(yi)聞之(zhi)!”
⑦清龔自珍《妙(miao)法(fa)蓮華(hua)經(jing)四十二問(wen)》:“諸(zhu)經(jing)有(you)(you)《法(fa)華(hua)》,王(wang)者之有(you)(you)九鼎,家業(ye)之有(you)(you)總帳簿(bu)也(ye)。”
⑧三(san)國魏曹丕《與鐘繇(zhou)五熟釜書》:"昔有(you)黃(huang)三(san)鼎﹐周之九寶(bao)﹐咸以一(yi)(yi)體﹐使(shi)調一(yi)(yi)味。"詳(xiang)"九鼎"。
⑨《文選(xuan)·陸機》:“在周(zhou)之衰,難興王(wang)室,放命者七臣,干(gan)位(wei)者三子,嗣(si)王(wang)委其九鼎,兇族據其天(tian)邑,鉦(zheng)鼙震於閫宇,鋒鏑(di)流(liu)乎絳(jiang)闕(que),然禍止畿(ji)甸,害不覃及。”劉良(liang)注(zhu):“畿(ji)甸,近(jin)國也。”
2、喻分量重。
①《史(shi)記·平原君虞卿列傳》:“毛先生一至楚,而(er)使(shi)趙(zhao)重於(wu)九鼎大呂。”司馬貞索隱:“言毛遂至楚,使(shi)趙(zhao)重於(wu)九鼎大呂,言為天(tian)下所重也。”
②宋(song)黃庭(ting)堅(jian)《次韻答叔原會寂照房呈(cheng)稚川》:“聲名九鼎重,冠蓋萬夫望。”
③明張煌言(yan)《懷古》詩(shi):“人定能勝天(tian),一言(yan)重九(jiu)鼎。”