Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kangxi Strokes: 19 Page 1320, Entry 18 Pronounced lou (falling tone). In the Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters), it is defined as hard iron that can be used for engraving. In the Book of Documents (Shujing), within the Tribute of Yu (Yugong) chapter: Their tribute consists of qiu-iron, silver, engraved arrowheads, and musical stones. The commentary states: Lou refers to hard iron. Also, the Shuowen Jiezi states: Another meaning is a cauldron. According to the Guangya (Broadening of Elegance): It is a cauldron. In the Yangzi Fangyan (Regional Dialects): A fu-cauldron is called a lou in the regions of the Yangtze, Huai, and Chu. Also, according to the Zhengyun (Correct Rhymes): It means to carve or engrave. In the Erya (Approaching Elegance), section on implements: It is defined as such. The commentary states: To carve or engrave objects is termed this. Also: Metal is called lou. The commentary states: This is a name for a smelted vessel. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Qin Wind section: Tiger-skin bow-cases with engraved metal chest-straps. The annotation states: Lou-ying refers to engraved metal ornaments. In the Zuo Commentary (Zuozhuan), first year of Duke Ai: Vessels were not painted or engraved. The commentary states: Lou means to engrave. Also, in the History of the Former Han (Qianshan Shu), Biography of Sima Xiangru: Engraving the Ling Mountains. The commentator Shigu states: Lou here means to clear and open a path through. Also a surname, as recorded in the Xingyuan (Garden of Surnames). Pronounced lou (level tone). Name of a sword. In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of Wu Taibo: Bestowed upon Zixu the sword named Shulou. The commentary states: Shulou is the name of a sword. Also, in the Yunbu (Rhyme Supplement): Rhymes with the sound lu. In the Rhapsodies on the Lingguang Hall of Lu by Wang Yanshou: Green chambers and purple lotus seeds, hanging like pearls. Cloud-shaped brackets and flowering rafters, with dragon horns intricately carved. The original character was composed of the roof radical and the character zha. Textual verification: In the Zuo Commentary, first year of Duke Ai, it says vessels were not painted or engraved. I have corrected the text to follow the original: painted or engraved.