About
The character 纛 is a complex phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component "糸" (silk/textile) indicates the material, while the phonetic component "毒" (poison) provides the sound. Historically, 纛 referred to a large, ornate banner or standard used in military commands and imperial processions, typically made of heavy silk and adorned with feathers or yak tails. As vital signaling devices and symbols of supreme authority on the battlefield, these banners appear mainly in classical texts on warfare, ranks, and imperial power. Due to its specialized historical use and intricate structure, the character is seldom used today, remaining confined to historical and literary studies.