笏 (hù) - Hu — a ceremonial tablet or scepter held

笏Tone 4

hù ｜ 10 strokes ｜ radical:

枫惠

笏 · hù

Hu — a ceremonial tablet or scepter held by officials in ancient China during imperial audiences, made of ivory, jade, or bamboo.

Hu — a ceremonial tablet or scepter held

Usage highlights

Hu tabletJade huIvory huBamboo huHold the huCourt hu

Synonyms

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The official held the hu tablet during the audience (官员手持笏板).
  • This museum displays a Ming dynasty hu (明代笏).
  • The ivory hu was a symbol of high rank (象牙笏).

Collocations

  • Hu tablet(笏板)
  • Jade hu(玉笏)
  • Ivory hu(象牙笏)
  • Bamboo hu(竹笏)
  • Hold the hu(执笏)
  • Court hu(朝笏)

Idioms

  • Wearing robes and holding the hu(袍笏登场)
  • Discard the hu and return to fields(掷笏归田)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • Used by officials in imperial China to note memoranda during audiences with the emperor.
  • The material (jade, ivory, bamboo) indicated the official's rank.
  • Symbolized authority, scholarly achievement, and imperial service.

FAQ