Wu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Jade (yù) Zan Kangxi strokes: 24 Page 745, Entry 14 Pronounced zan. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it is made of three parts jade and two parts stone. In the Rites, the Emperor uses a pure jade vessel. The Duke uses a vessel of four parts jade and one part stone. The Marquis uses a zan, and the Earl uses a lie, where the jade and stone are in equal proportions. Xu states: The zan is also a jade tablet (gui). It is shaped like a jade tablet, sharpened at the top. The head is shaped like a ladle, which is called a zan. The handle serves as a channel for pouring, and is used for libations. The word zan implies to assist or advance, as it is used to present offerings to the spirits. According to the Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), it is also a vessel for libations. According to the Rhyme Compendium (Yunhui), it is a vessel for libations in the ancestral temple, shaped like a basin. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Greater Odes (Daya) section, it mentions the luster of the jade zan. The commentary states that the jade zan is a jade tablet zan. The sub-commentary states: The zan is the name of a vessel. It uses a jade tablet as a handle, which is made of jade. Referring to its substance, it is called a jade zan; referring to the completed vessel, it is called a tablet zan. According to the Han Dynasty Rites, the zan basin holds five sheng, with a mouth diameter of eight inches, and a base basin with a diameter of one foot. Thus the zan is like a ladle, with a basin to catch the overflow. The Emperor's zan has a handle made of a jade tablet twelve inches long; those bestowed upon feudal lords are nine inches or less. Also, it says: Bestowing upon you a jade tablet zan. The commentary states: Nine imperial mandates are bestowed with a jade tablet zan. In the History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qianhan Shu), Biography of Yang Xiong, it mentions the zan is curved. The annotation states: Fu says it is decorated with jade, hence it is called a zan. Zhang Yan says: The zan holds five sheng, has a mouth diameter of eight inches, uses a jade tablet as a handle, and is used to pour fragrant wine. Curved describes its appearance. Also pronounced zan. The meaning is the same. Also a person's name. According to the Zheng Yun dictionary, the annotations to the History of the Han Dynasty say: Minister Zan does not state his surname. Note: The Commentary on the Water Classic (Shuijing Zhu) cites the annotations to the History of the Han Dynasty by Xue Zan, therefore his surname is Xue. Also pronounced zan. A jade tablet. Another meaning is a miscellaneous name.