Yin Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Bow (gōng) Kangxi Strokes: 8 Page 357, Entry 31 Broad Rimes (Guangyun) and Correct Rimes (Zhengyun): pronounced xian. Collected Rimes (Jiyun) and Rhyme Collection (Yunhui): pronounced xian. Explanatory Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen): The string of a bow. Formed from the bow radical, depicting the shape of silk being wound. Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), Rites of Rural Archery: The officer holds the bow grip with the left hand and the string with the right hand when handing over the bow. Also, the half-moon is called xian. Explanation of Names (Shiming): Xian is the name for the half-moon. Its shape is curved on one side and straight on the other, like a taut bow with a string attached. History of the Former Han (Qianhan), Treatise on Music and Calendars: Chunyu Lingqu re-examined the Taichu Calendar; the darkness, new moon, half-moon, and full moon were all calculated with high precision. Also, the name of a state. Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu), Fifth Year of Duke Xi: The people of Chu destroyed the State of Xian; the Viscount of Xian fled to Huang. Commentary: The State of Xian was located southeast of Dai County in Yiyang. Also, a surname. Broad Rimes (Guangyun): According to the Comprehensive Customs (Fengsu Tong), they are descendants of the Viscount of Xian. Commentary of Zuo (Zuozhuan), Twenty-third Year of Duke Xi: Xian Gao, a merchant from Zheng. Fourth Year of Duke Ai: Qi, Ge, and Xian Shi went to rescue the Fan clan. Eleventh Year of Duke Ai: Sent to ask Xian Duo about the zither. Also, a pulse that is taut is called xian. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Master Cang: The pulse is long and taut. Also, Xianpu and Xianzhong are both place names. History of the Former Han (Qianhan), Treatise on Geography: Directly to the west is Yong Province; the marsh is called Xianpu. Commentary: Located in Qian County; also, north of the mountains in Yong Province there is Pugu Township and Xianzhong Valley. Also written in a variant form (xian). Book of Rites (Liji), Hereditary Household of King Wen: Reciting in spring and playing stringed instruments in summer. Record of Music (Yueji): Emperor Shun created the five-stringed zither to sing the South Wind.