From 《
北史·
李浑传》 (History of the Northern Dynasties, Biography of Li Hun): "
雕虫小技，
我不如卿；
国典朝章，
卿不如我" - "At the small art of carving insect-script, I am no match for you; at affairs of state and court ritual, you are no match for me."
虫 here originally referred to
鸟虫书, an ornate ancient calligraphy style - fancy decorative writing dismissed as a frivolous skill compared to statecraft.
