瑁 (mào) - A ceremonial jade scepter used in ancient Chinese & also refers to a type of sea turtle

瑁Tone 4

mào ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

伦妙

瑁 · mào

A ceremonial jade scepter used in ancient Chinese rituals;

also refers to a type of sea turtle shell used for decoration.

A ceremonial jade scepter used in ancient Chinesealso refers to a type of sea turtle

Usage highlights

Jade maoTurtle shellRitual jadeImperial scepterTurtle shell ornamentJade ritual object

Synonyms

  • 玳瑁— hawksbill turtle shell (decorative material)
  • 玉圭— jade tablet (similar ritual object)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The emperor held the jade scepter (瑁) during ceremonies.
  • Ancient nobles wore ornaments made from turtle shell (玳瑁).
  • The ritual required specific jade objects including the mao (玉瑁).

Collocations

  • Jade mao(玉瑁)
  • Turtle shell(玳瑁)
  • Ritual jade(礼瑁)
  • Imperial scepter(圭瑁)
  • Turtle shell ornament(瑁饰)
  • Jade ritual object(瑁玉)

Idioms

  • Turtle shell and jade(玳瑁)
  • Jade mao and jade tablet(圭瑁)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The mao was an important ceremonial jade object used by rulers in ancient China during rituals and official ceremonies.
  • In ancient times, turtle shells (particularly from hawksbill turtles) were highly valued for decorative purposes and were called 'daimao' (玳瑁).
  • The character appears in classical texts describing imperial regalia and ritual objects.

FAQ