Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kangxi Strokes: 14 Page 1305, Entry 01 Pronounced yao. According to the Shuo Wen Jie Zi (Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters), it is a vessel for heating. According to the Guang Yun (Broad Rimes), it is a vessel for heating. According to the Zheng Zi Tong (Correction of Character Mastery), today, small pots with handles and spouts are also called yao. Also, according to the Fang Yan (Regionalisms) by Yang Xiong, in the regions of Song, Chu, and Wei, it is sometimes called a sharp yao. According to the Shuo Wen Jie Zi, it is also a farming implement. Also a surname. In the Biography of Yao Qi in the History of the Later Han (Hou Hanshu), Yao Qi, courtesy name Xukuang, was a native of Jia in Yingchuan. Also the name of a state. In the Treatise on Rites and Music in the History of the Former Han (Hanshu), there were twelve members of the Yao quartet and nineteen members of the Qi quartet. Commentary: Yao is the name of a state. Pronounced yao. In the Rhapsody on the Long Flute by Ma Rong, it refers to the appearance of distinguishing and regulating sections. Also pronounced yao. A spade. In the commentary to the Book of Odes (Shijing), Zhou Song, it is noted that the Shi Ben (Genealogies) states that Chui created the yao. The commentary by Song Zhongzi states that a yao is for reaping; therefore, it is a tool for reaping grain. The pronunciation is given as yao. In the Outer Things chapter of the Zhuangzi, it is used to describe the beginning of the repair of weeding tools. Commentary: A yao is for scraping, having the ability to pierce and shave. Also pronounced yao. Also pronounced tiao. Same meaning. Also pronounced tiao. A vessel for heating. According to the Ji Yun (Collection of Rimes), it is sometimes written in a variant form. Also pronounced tiao. Same meaning. Also pronounced yao. Same as the character for a type of grass. According to the Erya (Approaching Elegance), commentary on grasses, it is a type of plant, now known as the sheep peach, also called ghost peach. Its leaves resemble peach leaves, its flowers are white, and its seeds resemble small wheat grains, also resembling peaches. Note: The pronunciation of yao in the explanation is yao, which differs from the pronunciation in the Ji Yun. Also pronounced tiao. A long spear. In the Lu Shi Chun Qiu (Spring and Autumn Annals of Master Lu), it refers to a long spear and sharp weapon. Correction: In the reference to the Book of Odes, Zhou Song, the character for grain storage has been corrected from the original text.