半世荣华一世琉璃
[bàn shì róng huá yī shì liú lí]
This translates roughly as 'half a lifetime of glory, a life like colored glass (琉(liu)璃(li) is an archaic word meaning coloured glass or glazed tiles in Chinese culture).' It contrasts past glories with fragile current state, suggesting fleeting nature of fame and prosperity. Glass represents beauty but also transience.