Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Page 1311, Entry 16 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collection Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui), Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced jin. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen): multicolored patterned fabric. Composed of the element for silk with a phonetic component suggesting metal. Xu says: it means varied colors. During the Han dynasty, there was a county in Weijun where they were skilled at weaving brocade, and thus it was named Xiangyi. According to the Explaining Names (Shiming): the word for brocade (jin) is linked to gold (jīn). Because the effort required to create it is significant and its value is like gold, the character is composed of the elements for metal and silk. Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Wei: Wearing a brocade garment covered by a robe. The commentary says: brocade is a patterned garment. Zuo Commentary (Zuo Zhuan), 31st Year of Duke Xiang: If you have beautiful brocade, do not let others learn to cut it. Record of Missing Matters (Shiyiji): On Mount Yuanqiao there are ice silkworms; they are covered in frost, and only then do they form cocoons. Their color is multicolored, and later generations imitated this by dyeing silk in five colors and weaving it into brocade. Five Dynasties History (Wudai Shi), Annals of Wuyue: In Lin'an there was a large tree where Qian Liu played when he was young. When he became wealthy and returned, he covered the tree with brocade, calling it the Brocade-Clad General tree. Southern Window Records (Nanchuang Jitan): The title of Zhongsan Dafu was formerly known as Ten-Kind Brocade. First, upon receiving a mandate, one could enfeoff parents without waiting for a general amnesty. Second, one's wife was titled Lady of the Commandery. Third, one could recommend officials without waiting for suburban sacrifices. Fourth, one could request an official position for a son. Fifth, one was permitted to ride on the imperial carriage path. Sixth, one was allowed to use a purple silk cushion on the horse saddle. Seventh, one could have a wooden plaque carried before the horse. Eighth, one used gold vessels at the banquet hall in the side palace. Ninth, one was permitted to submit a final memorial to the throne. Tenth, a biography was written in the national history. Also a surname. There was a Han dynasty gentleman named Jin Bei. Also bei jin, an insect. Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Xiao Ya: How tangled and luxuriant, you have created this shell-patterned brocade. The annotation states: an aquatic shellfish with patterns resembling brocade. Also the name of a river. History of the Former Han (Qianhan Shu), Biography of Sima Xiangru: The Han palace had a river called Jin, where there were mandarin ducks. According to the Record of Universal Geography (Guangyuji): South of the city of Chengdu Prefecture is the Brocade River, also known as the Wen River. When brocade is washed in this water, it becomes bright and beautiful; the area is called Brocade Neighborhood, and the city is called Brocade Official City.