Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Character: Liu Kangxi strokes: 18 Page 1318, Entry 04 Pronounced liu. Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters) defines this as to kill. Xu Kai says: The character liu is not found in the Shuowen Jiezi, though its components are present. It has not been seen in historical records, and I suspect it is the character liu. The form is composed of metal and you; the knife component became distorted and was mistakenly transcribed as the field character. According to the Yupian (Jade Compendium), this is the ancient form of the character liu. Also pronounced liu (falling tone). In the Liangzhou region, a pot is called a liu. Fangyan (Regional Dialects) by Yang Xiong: A steamer used for cooking rice is called a cu-liu in areas east of Hangu Pass.