treasured article; precious vessel; outstanding person
Literary or formal term for a treasured object or, metaphorically, a person of great worth. The metaphorical sense is less common in everyday speech.
この博物館には古代の宝器が展示されている。
Ancient treasured vessels are displayed in this museum.
He is truly a treasured asset to our company.
逸材 is the common modern word for an outstanding talent or exceptional person, while 宝器 uses the same metaphor but is rarer and more literary.
秘宝 emphasizes a treasure that is hidden or secret, whereas 宝器 stresses the item's status as a prized vessel or object without implying secrecy.
Compound of 宝 (treasure) and 器 (vessel, container). The metaphorical extension to a person of great worth is a natural semantic broadening.