Wu Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Jade (yù)
Kangxi Strokes: 20
Page 744, Entry 01
Pronounced qiong.
According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it is a red jade.
Book of Odes (Shijing), Odes of Wei: Throw me a papaya, and I will repay you with qiongju (a type of jade ornament).
Commentary: Qiong refers to that which is beautiful in jade.
The Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui) states: Mr. Qian says that in the Book of Odes, jade is often referred to as qiong. Terms such as qionghua, qiongying, qiongying, qiongyao, qiongju, and qiongjiu all use qiong to describe the beauty of the color of the jade; it is not the name of a specific type of jade. Xu Shuchong says that qiong is red jade. However, the qiongjiu mentioned with the papaya consists of jiu, which is a black jade. Thus, it is not red.
Also, in the Jade Compilation (Yupian), accumulated stones form trees, known as qiongzhi. They are 120 ren high and 30 wei in circumference, adorned with langgan (a type of precious stone) as treasures.
History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Biography of Sima Xiangru: Chewing the essence of mushrooms and devouring the blossoms of qiong.
Commentary by Zhang Yi: The qiong tree grows on the western banks of the shifting sands near Mount Kunlun. It is 300 wei in circumference and 10,000 ren high; it refers to the blossoms and stamens of the tree. Eating them leads to longevity.
Also a name for people.
Records of Ancient and Modern (Gujin Zhu): Among the palace women deeply loved by Emperor Wen of Wei, there were Mo Qiongshu, Xue Yelaid, Tian Shangyi, and Duan Qiaoxiao, who were at his side day and night.
Also a prefecture name. During the Han dynasty, it was part of Zhuya Commandery. During the Tang dynasty, Qiong Prefecture was established.
Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced xuan. Equivalent to xuan (a type of jade).
Also, in the Supplement to the Rhymes (Yunbu), rhyming with qiang.
Songs of the South (Chu Ci), Summoning the Soul: Grind the room with kingfisher feathers, hang the curved jade. Cover with kingfisher pearls, to brighten the light.
