Mao Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Hand (shǒu) Entry: Shan Kangxi strokes: 12 Page 438, Entry 08 Pronounced yan (falling tone). The meaning is to spread out or unfold. Sometimes also written in a variant form. It is also interchangeable with the character for flame (yan). History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu), Treatise on Ritual and Music (Liyuezhi): Extended and beautiful, the front radiates light. Commentary: The character for yan here is the same as the character for flame (yan). The term extended and beautiful refers to a spirit bird. Also pronounced shan (falling tone). This also means to spread out. Zuo Si, Rhapsody on the Capital of Shu (Shudu Fu): Displaying literary elegance, unfolding in the celestial court. Commentary: The character carries the meaning of covering. Another interpretation is that it means to flash or move quickly. Principles of the Six Writings (Liushu Gu): Also written in a variant form. Also pronounced yan (falling tone). Identical to the character for sharp (yan), meaning sharp. Book of Changes (Yijing), Appended Statements (Xici): Sharpened wood to make oars. Commentary: The explanatory text (Shiwen) writes this as shan.