About
螭 is a phono-semantic compound character from Chinese mythology. Its left side features the insect/reptile radical 虫, which categorizes the creature among legendary beasts, snakes, or reptiles. The right side provides the phonetic component 离. The character primarily denotes a specific mythological being, often described as a hornless dragon or mountain demon in ancient texts. This creature frequently appears as a decorative motif in traditional architecture, classical art, and jade carvings, particularly on stone tablets and roof ridges. Consequently, the character's use is confined to mythological descriptions, art history, and the study of ancient architectural ornamentation, with no application to real biological animals.
Etymology Hide
