Shen Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Insect (chóng)
Xiang
Kangxi Stroke Count: 19
Page 1099, Entry 12
Pronounced xiang (rising tone).
As defined in Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is an insect capable of perceiving sound.
According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it refers to an insect from the era of Great Yu. It is also written in the variant form xi-xiang.
In the Rhapsody on the Shanglin Park (Shanglin Fu) by Sima Xiangru, it states: "The fragrance of xi-xiang spreads abroad, blooming and lush." The commentary notes: This refers to the fragrant energy spreading in all directions, as if the xiang insect were dispersing.
It also refers to the term xiang. In the Rhapsody on the Imperial Hunt (Yulie Fu) by Yang Xiong, it states: "The brilliant light shakes and shines, as quick as the xiang." The commentary notes: Xiang, meaning swift.
Also pronounced xiang (falling tone).
According to the Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun), it refers to an insect inside a pupa.
In the Literary Expositor (Erya), section on insects: "The state of the chrysalis is called xiang." The commentary notes: Currently, insects within pupae are called xiang.
According to the Broad Art (Boya), a soil pupa is precisely the xiang insect.