noun
two matchless things; two matchless people
Refers to two outstanding, peerless entities (people, works, etc.) that are equally excellent and often mentioned together. Commonly used in phrases like 〜の双璧.
彼らは日本文学の双璧と称されている。
They are acclaimed as the two matchless figures of Japanese literature.
この二つの作品は現代美術の双璧だ。
These two works are the twin peaks of contemporary art.
noun
pair of bright jewels
Original literal meaning: a pair of beautiful gems. Now rare; the figurative sense is dominant.
「双璧」の語源は、一対の美しい宝玉である。
The etymology of 双璧 is a pair of beautiful jewels.
From Chinese 雙璧 (shuāngbì), literally 'pair of jade disks'. The figurative sense of two matchless things developed from the idea of two equally precious jewels.