Wei Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Bamboo (zhú)
Gang
Kangxi strokes: 19
Page 901, Entry 29
According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun), the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), and the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced gan. A small bamboo. As stated in Zhang Heng's Rhapsody on the Southern Capital (Nandu Fu): its bamboos include arrow bamboo and the small bamboo. Li Shan's commentary states: Gang is a small bamboo.
According to the Record of Forgotten Matters (Shiyiji): On Mount Penglai there is the floating bamboo, with green leaves and purple stems; its fruit is as large as a pearl, and the green phoenix rests upon it. When the wind blows, the leaves and branches sway, producing a sound like bells and stone chimes.
Also, according to the Sea of Documents (Pianhai): An arrow shaft. As stated in the Book of Liezi (Liezi), in the chapter Questions of Tang (Tangwen): Using bows made of ox horn from the Yan region, and arrow shafts made of mugwort from the north. According to the Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing): On Mount Xiuyu there is a plant shaped like chopsticks with red leaves growing in clusters, known as sutiao, which can be used to make arrow shafts. According to Chen Lin's Rhapsody on the Arsenal (Wuku Fu): The arrows have shafts and heads made of charred copper and poisonous iron, which sound when released.
Also, according to New Discourses on Guangdong (Guangdong Xinyu): Job's tears, also known as gang beads.
Also, according to the Classified Chapters (Leipian): Pronounced gan. An arrow feather.
According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun): Same as the character pronounced ga.
Textual research: In the Book of Liezi, in the chapter Questions of Tang, the text reads: Bows of Yan horn and arrow shafts of northern mugwort. We have corrected the reference to the chapter Questions of Tang as per the original book.