Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Xuan Kangxi strokes: 13 Page 1300, Entry 19 Pronounced xuan (rising tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen jiezi): To lift a tripod. From the Book of Changes (Yijing), Hexagram of the Tripod: The six-five position tripod has yellow ears and metal xuan; it is advantageous to be upright. Commentary: Xuan is the tool used to pass through the ears of a tripod to facilitate lifting. Also pronounced xuan (level tone). A variant of jiong (a transverse bar). From the Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), Officer’s Capping Ceremony: Set up the jiong and mi. Zheng’s Commentary: Jiong, anciently pronounced ying (rising tone). In the modern text, jiong is written as xuan. Lu Deming’s Explanation of Sounds and Meanings: Jiong is the horizontal bar of a tripod. Also from the Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial, Funeral Rites for an Officer: The man on the right withdraws the jiong. Funeral Rites for a Post-Funeral Sacrifice: The man on the left withdraws the jiong. Commentary: Jiong is the same as the character xuan. Also pronounced xian (level tone). Also pronounced guan (level tone). Also pronounced juan (level tone). The meaning is the same. Also read as xian (level tone) according to the Supplement to the Dictionary of Characters (Zihui bu). From the Strategies of the Warring States (Zhan Guo Ce): Spears and halberds were broken, and rings and xuan were snapped. Also rhyming with xun (level tone) according to the Supplement to Rhymes (Yunbu). From Cai Yong’s Eulogy for Minister Yang: Encompassing the five classics, grounding the truth of the Way, frequently serving in ministerial roles, five times ascending to the position of tripod xuan. Also rhyming with xuan (level tone). From Shi Xiaoshan’s Eulogy on Leading an Army: Drums have no pause in their resonance, flags are not momentarily lowered. Favors reached the desolate and distant, and achievements were inscribed upon the tripod xuan.