Mao Collection, Lower Volume
Radical: Square (fāng)
Kangxi stroke count: 11
Page 483, Entry 17
Pronounced xuan. Pronounced xuan. Pronounced xuan. The pronunciation is the same as xuan (a type of jade).
Shuowen Jiezi (Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters) explains: To move around in accordance with the direction of banners. The character form is composed of the components for banner and foot. A foot represents the action of walking. Note: Xu Kai states: The feet of men follow the direction of banners to move around.
Zuo Zhuan (Chronicle of Zuo), 23rd year of Duke Xi: Engaging with the ruler. Note: The meaning is to pursue one another.
I Ching (Book of Changes), Lu hexagram: Returning to one's original position is of great auspiciousness. Commentary: Xuan means to return.
Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Winter Bureau, Record of Tradesmen (Kaogongji), Fu-Shi section: The component used for suspending a bell is called the xuan. Note: Xuan is the part that connects the handle of the bell for suspension. Explanation of Texts: Xuan is read with its standard pronunciation. Li reads it as xin.
Zuo Zhuan (Chronicle of Zuo), 3rd year of Duke Ding: Yi Shegu was urinating there. Note: Xuan refers to urination.
Zhuangzi, section on Fulfilling Life: Gong Chui could draw a circle with his hand that met the standard of a compass; his fingers moved in accordance with the changes in things without needing to ponder in his mind. Note: Xuan refers to a circular shape. Gai means to exceed.
Also synonymous with xuan (a type of jade). Book of Han (Hanshu), Treatise on Harmonics and Calendrical Astronomy: Assisting the celestial instrument.
Pronounced xuan. The meaning is to orbit or circle.
Also used as a variant of huan (to return). Book of Rites (Liji), Jade Ornaments (Yuzao): Rotating must conform to the standard of a compass, and turning must conform to the standard of a square. Explanation of Texts: Some versions write huan as xuan.
Rhyme Supplement: Rhyming with song lun. Li You, Ode to Deyang Hall (Deyangdian Fu): Circling upward without boundary, the form flows and revolves. Opening the three tiers of steps to gather, with gold and silver interlaced between the two pillars.
