Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Silk (mì) 絢 Kangxi strokes: 12 Page 923, Entry 14 Pronounced xuan (falling tone). Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili): In questioning the feudal lords, the vermilion and green threads are eight inches long, all of reddish-yellow silk, and the long patterned silk bands are of that length. Commentary: Colored patterns are called xuan; when not in use, they are used to tie jade, serving as ornamentation. Analects (Lunyu): Plain silk used for decorative patterns. Commentary by He Yan: Xuan describes the appearance of patterns. Yan Yanzhi, Rhapsody on the Ocher-White Horse: Dazzling and brilliant, extraordinary. Commentary: Describes rapid movement. Also pronounced xuan (falling tone), with the same meaning. Also pronounced xun (rising tone). Leipian (Compilation of Categorized Characters): The character xun is sometimes written as xuan. See the entry for xun for details. Also rhymes with run (falling tone). Pan Yue, Eulogy for Regular Attendant Xiahou: Like the Suihe jade, emitting radiant luster; like embroidered silk, displaying white patterns with brilliant colors.