匦 (guǐ) - A small box or chest, especially one used

匦Tone 3

guǐ ｜ 8 strokes ｜ radical: 匚

枫惠

匦 · guǐ

A small box or chest, especially one used for submitting petitions or secret communications to the emperor in ancient China.

A small box or chest, especially one used

Usage highlights

Petition boxCopper boxLetter boxSecret memorial boxBox for suggestionsPalace box

Synonyms

  • 匣— box, case
  • 盒— box, container
  • 箱— chest, box

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The official placed the petition in the petition box (投匦).
  • This antique box (匦) was used for storing documents.
  • The museum displays a Tang dynasty bronze box (铜匦).

Collocations

  • Petition box(投匦)
  • Copper box(铜匦)
  • Letter box(函匦)
  • Secret memorial box(密匦)
  • Box for suggestions(意见匦)
  • Palace box(宫匦)

Idioms

  • Submit a petition through the box(投匦上书)
  • The four gates and three boxes(四门三匦)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, particularly during the Tang dynasty, '匦' referred to special boxes placed at palace gates where officials and commoners could submit petitions, accusations, or suggestions to the emperor.
  • The system was part of imperial governance to gather information and maintain control, with different colored boxes for different types of communications.

FAQ