Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) 鐙 Kangxi strokes: 20 Page 1323, Entry 01 Pronounced dēng From the Explanation of Writing (Shuowen Jiezi): A tripod vessel for a candle. Xu Xuan says: Because it holds a candle, it is called a dēng. The modern common character form written as dēng is incorrect. Songs of the South (Chuci), Summoning the Soul: Elegant lamps are displayed in rows. Liu Gonggan, Poem Presented to the Official of the Five Government Ministries: Bright lamps shine with scorching light. Also refers to a mountain name. Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing): Mount Gudeng. Also the same as the character deng (to mount or ascend). Ceremonial Rites (Yili), The Rite of Feeding the Grand Master: Served in a deng. Commentary: Earthenware vessels are called deng. Sub-commentary: The Book of Odes (Shijing) mentions both dou and deng. Mao’s commentary explains: Wooden ones are called dou, and earthenware ones are called deng. Book of the Later Han (Hou Hanshu), Treatise on Rituals: One earthenware deng, four red lacquered arrows. Pronounced dèng General Rhymes (Guangyun): Refers to the stirrups of a saddle. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Equipment for a saddle. Correct Meanings (Zhengzitong): The components on both sides of a saddle used for placing feet. Han Zhiyao, Poem: Passing through the jade-inlaid stirrup together with a skirt. Also refers to the base of a ritual vessel. Book of Rites (Liji), Treatise on the Meaning of Sacrifices: Holding the deng with one’s hands. Commentary: Deng refers to the base supporting the sacrificial vessel. Explanation of Text: Deng is pronounced deng (falling tone).