Xu Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Leather (gé) Entry: Hong Kangxi strokes: 14 Page 1386, Entry 37 Pronounced hong According to the Explanation of Simple and Compound Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the crossbar on the front of a carriage. Derived from Leather, with Hong serving as the phonetic. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), it is written: The leather covering and the crossbar are shallow and wrapped. The commentary states: Hong refers to the center of the carriage crossbar. The explanatory notes state: Pronounced hong. Also pronounced hong The Broad Rhymes (Guangyun) states: It is the handle in the center of the carriage crossbar. Also pronounced gong Also pronounced qiong The meaning is the same. The Jade Chapters (Yu Pian) also writes it as a variant form. The Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun) also writes it as a variant form.