Wu Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Jade (yù)
Zao
Kangxi Strokes: 18
Page 743, Entry 03
Pronounced zao (rising tone).
Jade beads strung with multi-colored silk threads used as ornaments on a ceremonial cap.
Book of Rites (Liji): The cap worn is decorated with zao, featuring twelve strings of jade beads.
Also written in a variant form (zao).
Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi): An ornament made of jade, resembling the patterns of water plants.
Citing the Book of Yu (Yu Shu): Zao, fire, rice powder. Note: In the current version of the Book of Documents (Shangshu), the character is written as zao.
Book of Rites (Liji): The cap of the Son of Heaven is decorated with vermilion and green water plants. Note: These plants are pure and patterned; all colors resemble them, which is why they are called zao.
Also written in a variant form (sao).
Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili): Open the case to take out the jade tablet, the silk cord (sao) hanging down. Note: In the current version, sao is written as zao.