Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Silk (mì) Character: Qi Kangxi Stroke Count: 14 Page 928, Entry 02 Pronounced qi (rising tone). As defined in the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen): A type of patterned silk. As defined in the Explanation of Names (Shi Ming): Qi, meaning oblique. Its patterns are oblique and slanted, not following the vertical and horizontal alignment of the warp and weft. In the History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Biography of Emperor Gaozu: Merchants are not permitted to wear brocade, embroidery, qi silk, gauzes, hemp, or woolens. Commentary by Yan Shigu: Qi is a type of patterned silk, which is the same as the fine damask used today. Pronounced qi (rising tone). The meaning is the same. Also a surname. In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of the Marquis of Liu: Qi Liji. Pronounced yi (rising tone). Used in a personal name. In the Zhuangzi, there is a person named Shicheng Qi.