Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kua Kangxi Dictionary strokes: 14 Page 1305, Entry 08 Pronounced kua. A belt fitting. Book of Tang (Tangshu), Biography of Liu Hun: An imperial jade carver made a belt for the emperor and accidentally damaged one belt fitting. Orthography Comprehensive (Zhengzitong): According to the Tang dynasty system, for belts, those of the first and second ranks featured gold belt fittings, those of the sixth rank and above used rhinoceros horn, those of the ninth rank and above used silver, and commoners used iron. According to the Ming dynasty system, the part of the leather belt that joins in the front is called the Three Terraces (santai). To the left and right are three round peach-shaped ornaments. The square ornaments to the left and right are called fish tails. There are two small supporting squares, with seven pieces at the back and thirteen pieces of varying sizes at the front. The thirteen belt fittings of the Tang dynasty correspond to this initial design. Also pronounced kua. Meaning same as above. This character was originally written in a variant form. Also written in a variant form (ke).