Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Silk (mì) Character: xian Kangxi Stroke Count: 12 Page 923, Entry 04 According to the Sound Compilation (Jiyun), the term xian is also written as xian. Book of Rites (Zhouli), section Winter Officials, Record of Artificers (Kaogongji): Examine its thread. Commentary: The character xian is pronounced xian, referring to the thread used for sewing leather.