Wei Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Bamboo (zhú) Bian Kangxi strokes: 24 Page 905, Entry 37 Pronounced bian. A vessel in the shape of a dou (a tall-stemmed ritual vessel) made of bamboo. Classic of Rites (Erya), Explanation of Vessels: A bamboo dou is called a bian. Commentary: A bian is made of bamboo, with its rim bound in rattan. It is similar in shape to a dou and can hold four liters. It is used to hold foods such as dates, chestnuts, peaches, plums, water caltrops, fox nuts, dried meat, prepared dried meat, dried fish, abalone, dried provisions, and cakes. It is used during ancestral sacrifices and banquets. Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Bin: The bian and dou are arranged in orderly fashion. Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), Rites of the Cap: The fine wine is fragrant, and the bian and dou are arranged in order. Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), Sixth Year of Duke Zhao: Jisun Su traveled to the State of Jin, where the Marquis of Jin hosted a banquet for him and increased the number of bian. Annotation: The number of bian and dou was greater than the standard ritual requirements. Also a title for an official. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Officers of Heaven: The Bian Official is served by one eunuch, with ten additional female bian attendants. Commentary: Female bian attendants refers to female servants who are familiar with the affairs concerning the bian.