Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Character: Diao Kangxi Stroke Count: 16 Page 1312, Entry 10 According to Tang Rhymes (Tangyun) and Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is tao. According to Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means dull. In Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is sometimes written as the variant form (tao). Additionally, according to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is dao, with the same meaning. Furthermore, according to Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is the same as the character diao (to carve). In the Exhortation to Learning (Xunzi), section on Enriching the State (Fuguo), it states: One must carve and engrave, using ornate decorations to satisfy the enjoyment of the eyes.