Chinese silver ingots formed part of the so-called sycee silver that circulated as trading ingots in large areas of China and Indochina. The bars were generally made of very pure silver – their precious-metal content reaches up to 98 percent. The precious-metal content was confirmed by a stamp, and thanks to these stamps, Chinese ingots circulated in neighboring countries as well. The name "sycee" (pronounced "sigh-see") is a Western attempt to pronounce the Chinese word "si-tsu," meaning "fine silk." "Si-tsu" referred to the fine circular lines that appeared on the surface of the silver after casting.