Wu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Eye (mù) 瞼; Kangxi Stroke Count: 18; Page 819, Entry 02 Pronounced jian. According to the Explaining and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the upper and lower eyelids. In the Biography of Yao Sengyuan within the History of the Northern Dynasties (Beishi), it is noted that when the eyelids droop and cover the eyes, one cannot see things. According to the Pulse Classic (Maijing) by Wang Shuhe, stomach energy is reflected in the eyelids; if the eyelids twitch, it indicates that one can digest food. When ill, the eyelids become dry and lusterless, and one prefers to lie down. Note: The jian are the margins of the eyelids. Furthermore, according to the Amplified Elegantiae (Piya), both eyelids of a parrot move like those of a human. Also, in the languages of ethnic groups in the south, a state or prefecture is referred to as a jian. The Old Book of Tang (Tangshu), Account of the Southern Barbarians, mentions there are ten jian. According to the Six Writings Corrected (Liushu Zheng'e), it is mistakenly written as the character for face (lian). According to the Pei Collection (Peiji), the character for face (lian) is pronounced zhan and means meat soup. The character jian is pronounced yan and refers to the eyes.