Hai Collection, Lower Volume
Radical: Black (hēi)
Kangxi Strokes: 16
Page 1519, Entry 04
According to Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), it is pronounced yan (level tone). According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), it is pronounced yan (level tone). According to Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is pronounced lian (level tone). The pronunciation is similar to qian. Wide Refinements (Guangya) defines it as black. Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) states: qian means li. During the Qin dynasty, the common people were referred to as qianshou (black-headed ones), which refers to the color black. During the Zhou dynasty, they were called limin (black-haired people). Another theory suggests that the common people covered their heads with black cloths, hence the term qianshou.
It is also interchangeable with qian. In the Book of Changes (Yijing), section Discussion of the Trigrams (Shuogua), it is recorded: the Gen trigram symbolizes creatures with black mouths. The commentary by the Leng clan states: this refers to birds skilled at using their beaks to restrain things.
It also refers to the name of a commandery. The Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of Qin Shi Huang, records that the Qin dynasty established Qianzhong Commandery.
It also refers to the name of a county. The History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), Treatise on Geography, records that Qianzou County existed under Langya Commandery.
According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is pronounced yan (level tone), with a pronunciation similar to qian. It refers to a yellow-black color.
According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is pronounced yan (level tone). The meaning is the same.
According to Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun), it is pronounced jin (level tone). According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is pronounced jin (level tone), with a pronunciation similar to qin. It refers to Qianlei, the name of a deity. The Verses of Chu (Chuci), Distant Journey (Yuanyou), states: I went to visit Qianlei and saw him. It is also written as Qianlei. The Rhapsody on the Great Man (Daren Fu) by Sima Xiangru records: On the left is Xuanming, and on the right is Qianlei. The commentary notes: it is the name of a deity.
It is also used as a surname. The Book of Rites (Liji), Tan Gong, records a person from the state of Qi named Qian Ao. The History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), Table of Ancient and Modern People, writes it as Qin Ao.
