Wu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Jade (yù) Ji Kangxi stroke count: 17 Page 742, Entry 01 Pronounced ji According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), a pearl that is not perfectly round. In the Book of Documents (Shangshu), section Tribute of Yu (Yugong): A basket containing reddish-yellow silk and pearls (ji). Commentary: Ji belongs to the category of pearls, growing in water. Explanation of Text: Ji is an uneven pearl. Dictionaries define it as a small pearl. In the History of the Former Han (Qianhan Shu), Biography of the Thirteen Kings of Emperor Jing: They sent bamboo, kudzu, and pearls (zhuji). Note: Shigu states that ji is an uneven pearl. Also the name of a type of mirror. Xu Commentary on the Shuowen: According to the Map of Portents (Furutu), there exists a ji mirror. Annotation: A large, lustrous pearl that shines and can be used as a mirror. Also the name of an instrument. In the Book of Documents (Shangshu), section Canon of Shun (Shundian): Observe the rotating pearl (xuanji) and jade crossbar (yuheng) to calibrate the seven governors. Note: To observe means to watch. The ji is an instrument for calibrating celestial phenomena; the ji is the rotating component, while the heng is the horizontal tube-shaped component; by rotating the ji, it is set in motion. The diameter of the ji is eight feet, and its circumference is slightly over two feet and five inches. The heng is eight feet long with an aperture of one inch, used for observing from the lower end to divine the auspicious or ominous signs of the stars. The seven governors refer to the sun, the moon, and the five planets of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Their movements, whether normal or abnormal, are related to human affairs, hence they are called governors. Also the name of a star. In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Treatise on the Celestial Offices, notes on the seven stars of the Northern Dipper: The Spring and Autumn period work The Pivot of the Dipper (Yun Dou Ji) says: the third star among the seven stars of the Northern Dipper is called ji. Also pronounced qi. Also pronounced ji. Also pronounced ji. The meanings are the same.