Chen Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Fur (máo) Kangxi Strokes: 17 Page 592, Entry 27 Correct Character Dictionary (Zhengzitong) states this is the vulgar form of the character for felt. For a detailed explanation, see the entry for the character for felt. Felt Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) state the pronunciation is zhan. Explanation of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) defines it as twisting hair. Some say to twist means to grasp and trample. Because the hair is trampled into a sheet, it is called felt. Definitions of Names (Shiming) states that felt is the same as binding. It refers to the appearance of hair adhering to itself, being dense and thick. Book of Rites (Zhouli), Office of Heaven, Keeper of Hides records that in autumn one collects animal hides, and in winter one collects leather, providing the fine hair to make felt. Also, in the section on Keeper of Tents, it states that when the King holds a great sacrifice to the Supreme Deity, felt mats are laid out. The commentary explains that a mat refers to a bed. When a bed is covered with felt, it is called a felt mat. Essential Techniques for the Peasantry (Qimin Yaoshu) records the method for making felt: use equal parts of spring hair and autumn hair. Autumn hair is dense and firm, while spring hair is soft and weak; using only one type is biased, so they must be mixed. Felt made during the peach blossom flooding season in the third month is the best. Generally, when making felt, it need not be too thick or too large. As long as it is dense and the thickness is even, it is of the highest quality. It is also used interchangeably with the character for banner (zhan). In the Biography of Wang Bao in the History of the Former Han (Qianhan Shu), the text mentions carrying banners and wearing fur. In the Biography of Wang Ji, it mentions upon a fine banner. In the Biography of Su Wu, it mentions chewing snow and felt hair. These instances of the character for banner are all the same as felt. It also shares the rhyming pronunciation of zhen. In the Heshen Poem by Yang Fang, it mentions sitting coldly with shoulders covered in felt. The preceding character rhymes with body, and the following character rhymes with dust. Textual Research: In the Book of Rites (Zhouli), Office of Heaven, Keeper of Hides, the text states to provide the fine hair to make felt. Following the original text, the term for fine fur has been corrected to fine hair.