Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) 鈕 Kangxi strokes: 12 Page 1298, Entry 06 Ancient form. Pronounced niǔ (rising tone). Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi): The knob or loop on a seal. Standard Dictionary of Corrected Sounds (Zhengzitong): Also refers to the knob on a mirror or a crossbow. Anything that hooks or fastens objects is called a niǔ. Also found in Nine Laments (Jiusi), part of the Songs of Chu (Chuci): I have lost the knob and the pivot. Commentary: Jade ladles, knobs, and pivots are all things that are treasured. Also a surname. In the Garden of Surnames of the He Clan (He Shi Xing Yuan), there is a person named Niǔ from Wuxing during the Eastern Jin dynasty. Also in the Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced chǒu (rising tone). Identical to the character for wooden fetters (chǒu). Refers to shackles.