Yin Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Small (xiǎo)
Kangxi Strokes: 6
Page 297, Entry 02
Pronounced jiān.
Explains as a wedge. Originally written as jian.
Xu Kai notes that it refers to an object like a hairpin, small at the top and large at the bottom, which is the character jian. It is now written as jian, referring to a tip that is sharp and small.
Book of Poetry (Shijing) citation: Two rows of trees in the Qin territory stand straight, ten thousand points of Shu mountain peaks are sharp.
Han Yu, Poem on Bitter Cold: Fresh sprouts are curved and sharp.
History of the Five Dynasties (Wudai Shi) records Li Song saying that guarding Taiyuan requires Shi Jingtang. Shi Jingtang was deeply grateful to him, saying: Those who build pagodas must attach a spire, this is the hope that Li Song can fulfill the project from beginning to end.
Jade tips, ten tips, refers to the fingers.
Yang Weizhen poem: Using slender jade fingers to hold the brush and dip it into fragrant ink.
Also: Ten fingertips are all stained with the red color of balsam flowers.
Also describes a sharp appearance.
Zhang Xiaobiao poem: Just like the Tiantai Mountain after a fresh rain, with small peaks outside the clouds appearing green and sharp.