Yin Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Mountain (shān) Yan Kangxi strokes: 23 Page 323, Entry 09 Pronounced yan (rising tone). The Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) defines this as the shape of a mountain resembling a zeng (an ancient earthenware vessel for steaming rice). Another interpretation defines it as a mountain peak. Zhang Heng, Southern Capital Rhapsody (Nandu Fu): The mountain slope is high and the terrain steep, forming a peak. Shen Yue, Zhongshan Poem: The mountain path winds to form a red cliff. Also rhymes with yan (level tone). Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes (Daya): Ascending to the cliff, then descending to the plain. Xie Lingyun, Mountain Dwelling Rhapsody (Shanju Fu): Nine streams flow in different paths, and five types of grain grow separately on the mountain cliffs. The rhyme connects with the word xuan. Orthography Compendium (Zhengzitong): The Six Writings Principles (Liushu Gu) writes this as a combination of mountain and yan, which is incorrect.