奩 (lián) - Lian — a bridal trousseau or dowry box & a dressing case or cosmetic box used by

奩Tone 2

lián ｜ 14 strokes ｜ radical:

俊梁

奩 · lián

Lian — a bridal trousseau or dowry box;

a dressing case or cosmetic box used by women in ancient China;

a small box or casket for storing valuables.

Lian — a bridal trousseau or dowry boxa dressing case or cosmetic box used bya small box or casket for storing valuables.

Usage highlights

DowryCosmetic caseDowry boxJewelry boxSmall boxBridal trousseau

Synonyms

  • 盒— box; case
  • 箱— chest; trunk
  • 匣— small box; casket

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The bride's family prepared an elaborate dowry (嫁奩).
  • She kept her jewelry in an antique cosmetic case (妝奩).
  • The museum displayed a traditional dowry box (奩具).
  • This small box is called a lian (小奩).

Collocations

  • Dowry(嫁奩)
  • Cosmetic case(妝奩)
  • Dowry box(奩具)
  • Jewelry box(首飾奩)
  • Small box(小奩)
  • Bridal trousseau(陪奩)

Idioms

  • The dowry is fully prepared(奩資齊備)
  • The cosmetic case and mirror stand(奩鏡)
  • Incense box poetry(香奩體)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Traditionally used to store a bride's personal items and valuables as part of her dowry in Chinese wedding customs.
  • Often elaborately decorated and considered an important status symbol in traditional marriages.
  • The 'incense box style' (香奩體) refers to a type of poetry dealing with feminine themes and boudoir life.

FAQ