Yin Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Work (gōng). Kangxi strokes: 5. Page 325, Entry 09. Ancient form is ka. Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) state the pronunciation is qiao (rising tone). Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) defines it as craftsmanship. Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) defines it as capable or skilled. Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui) defines it as mechanical ingenuity. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Winter Officials, Artificers' Record (Kaogongji) states: Heaven has seasons, Earth has climates, materials have superior qualities, and craftsmen have skills. Combining these four, one can create fine objects. Classic of Mountains and Seas (Shanhaijing) states: Yijun was the first to invent skills, and Chui began making various tools for the people. Also, Augmented Rhymes (Zengyun) defines it as the opposite of clumsy. Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui) defines it as intelligent and clever. Laozi, Classic of the Way and Virtue (Daodejing) states: One who is truly clever appears clumsy. Huainanzi, Training in the Art of Rulership (Zhushu Xun) states: One who possesses great talent and ambition should not be asked to perform petty, opportunistic tasks. Also, Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) defines it as beautiful. Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Wei, states: A clever smile is truly moving. Also, Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui) notes that an archer who is accurate is called clever. Mencius states: Knowing how to use metaphors is a form of cleverness. Also, Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) defines it as false. Book of Odes (Shijing), Minor Odes, states: Flower-like words and clever talk are like a reed organ, how thick-skinned one is. The commentary states: To speak deceitfully without feeling shame before others. Book of Rites (Liji), Monthly Ordinances, states: Do not manufacture things that are excessively strange or ingenious. The annotation states: Licentious cleverness refers to deceptive decorations that do not conform to proper standards. Also, Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) gives the pronunciation qiao. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) give the pronunciation qiao (falling tone). The meaning remains the same. Also, following the rhyming pattern of qiu. History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), Biography of Sima Qian, states: A sage does not play with mechanical trickery but simply adapts to the changes of the times.
