jade ornament

璋 is composed of the radical 玉 (jade) and 章 (seal). 玉 signifies jade, while 章 depicts the action of carving a seal with a cutting tool, carrying the sense of being prominent and clearly marked. Thus, 璋 was formed to represent a type of jade artifact that is remarkably large, distinct, and eye-catching. In ancient times, this particular jade artifact (璋) was held by military commanders and the privileged noble class, serving as a symbol of nobility, authority, and virtue.