Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Kangxi stroke count: 8. Page 513, Entry 17.
According to Tang Rhymes (Tang yun) and Collection of Rhymes (Yun hui), pronounced chu (falling tone). According to Collected Rhymes (Ji yun) and Correct Rhymes (Zheng yun), pronounced chu (falling tone). According to Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it is a pestle for pounding. According to Book of Changes (Yijing), Appended Statements (Xici): Cut wood to make a pestle, dig the earth to make a mortar. The benefit of the pestle and mortar saves the myriad people. According to Book of Rites (Liji), Miscellaneous Records (Zaji): The pestle is made of paulownia wood. The commentary states: It is for the purpose of pounding. Also, an anvil and pestle are tools for beating clothes. According to Chu Guangxi, Miscellaneous Thoughts on Farming (Tianjia zaxing shi): The autumn mountains echo with the sound of the anvil and pestle. Also, according to History of the Former Han (Qian Han shu), Treatise on Astronomy (Tianwen zhi): The comet is called the celestial pestle.