Wei Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Silk (mì)
絢; Kangxi strokes: 12
Page 923, Entry 01
Pronounced xuan (falling tone).
Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili): In the section on diplomatic visits, it refers to the vermilion and green woven silk measuring eight inches, all bound with red cords, with long decorative woven bands. Annotation: Patterned colors are called xuan; when there is no specific duty, they are used to tie jade and serve as ornamentation.
Analects of Confucius (Lunyu): Plain colors are used for the pattern (xuan). He Yan annotation: Xuan refers to the appearance of patterns.
Also in Yan Yanzhi's Rhapsody on the Red and White Horse: Xuanlian refers to speed. Annotation: Describes a rapid appearance.
Also in Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced xuan (falling tone). Same meaning.
Also in Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced xun. Categorized Writings (Leipian): Xun is sometimes written as xuan. See the entry for the character xun.
Also in Rhyme Supplement (Yunbu): Rhymes with run (falling tone). Pan Yue's Eulogy for Constant Attendant Xiahou: Like the Sui and He jade, emitting light and flowing luster, like fine woven silk, with plain elements dotted and patterned.