The cloth the merfolk wove was called jiaoxiao, and it was said to stay dry even in water.
Tips
culture
Books of marvels from the 3rd and 4th centuries describe the 鲛人 living like fish in the southern sea, weaving without rest, and weeping tears that turn into pearls. 李商隐's line 沧海月明珠有泪 'on the moonlit sea the pearls have tears' draws on this legend.
usage
The European mermaid, as in Andersen's tale, is usually 美人鱼. 鲛人 keeps the Chinese legend and is popular in fantasy novels and games.
