Remarks on the Character Yan 延 in the Geling 葛陵 Chu Manuscripts

Abstract In the Geling 葛陵 Chu 楚 manuscripts, there are a number of characters usually transcribed as yan 延 in published transcriptions. This essay suggests tentative interpretation these characters. The first section examines four types direct transcriptions and their interpretive Then, argues variations graphic rather than lexical. its context, phrase zhong 延鐘 can be translated “melodic bells,” emphasis on melodic bells serves to highlight high rank ritual.