Xu Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Metal (jīn)
Kun
Kangxi Strokes: 16
Page 1310, Entry 01
According to Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced kun. A red-colored metal is called kunwu. According to Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), this type of iron can be used for casting swords. The Book of Liezi (Liezi), Chapter on Questions of Tang (Tangwen), records the existence of the Kunwu sword. In the Rhapsody on Sir Fantasy (Zixu Fu) by Sima Xiangru, it is written as kunwu.
Also, according to Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui), and Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced gun. According to Jade Chapters (Yupian), it refers to a metal ring used on the hub of a wheel where the axle passes through. According to the Book of Dialects (Fangyan) by Yang Xiong, in the regions of Qi, Yan, and the area between the sea and Mount Tai, the metal ring on a wheel hub where the axle passes through is in some places called kun.
Also, according to Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced hun. Also, according to Collection of Rhymes of the Five Sounds (Wuyin Jiyun), pronounced ran. The meaning is the same.
Textual research: The Book of Liezi (Liezi), Chapter on Yin Tang (Yintang), mentions the Kunwu sword. We have corrected this according to the original text to read Chapter on Questions of Tang (Tangwen).