Wei Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Bamboo (zhú)
Xiang
Kangxi strokes: 15
Page 890, Entry 16
Pronounced xiang.
According to the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the female components of a large cart.
According to the Ocean of Characters (Pianhai), the place inside a cart for holding items is called a xiang.
Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes of the Kingdom: Bright is that Draught Ox, but it does not serve to draw the cart.
Commentary: The xiang is the carriage box of a large cart.
Also means a granary.
Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes of the Kingdom: They seek a thousand granaries, they seek ten thousand carriage boxes.
Also refers to a bamboo container, such as a box or chest.
Also written in the same form as the term meaning side-chamber (xiang).
Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), Ritual of the Duke Feeding the Senior Officials: The guest ascends, and the Duke bows and withdraws to the side-chamber.
Also, in the Book of Rites (Yili), Ritual of Audience: A small table is placed in the east side-chamber.
Commentary: The east side-chamber is the place in front of the eastern room where one waits to perform duties.
History of the Former Han (Qianhan Shu), Biography of Zhou Chang: The Emperor wished to make Ruyi, the son of Lady Qi, the heir apparent. Zhou Chang said: I, your servant, stutteringly know that this is not permissible. The Emperor smiled happily and immediately dropped the matter. Empress Lu listened from the side-chamber.
Commentary: Shigu notes: The eastern and western rooms of the main sleeping quarters are both called xiang, as they are shaped like boxes or chests.
Editorial corrections: In the Analytical Dictionary of Characters, it states the male components; the original text has been corrected to read female components. In the Ritual of Audience, it states to wait in the east side-chamber; the original text has been corrected by adding the character for small table before the word wait.