Hai Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Bird (niǎo)
Yuan
Kangxi strokes: 16
Page 1485, Entry 06
Pronounced yuan.
According to the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the mandarin duck. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it is a paired bird. The male is called yuan, and the female is called yang.
According to Cui Bao in Records of Past and Present (Gujin Zhu), they are a type of wild duck. The male and female never leave each other; if a person captures one, the other will inevitably pine for its mate and die, which is why it is called the paired bird.
According to the Amplified Observations (Piya), the magpie is fond of outward display, while the mandarin duck is fond of inward yearning.
According to the Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes (Xiaoya): The mandarin ducks are on the bridge, folding their left wings.
According to the Correct Meaning Thoroughfare (Zhengzitong), the mandarin duck has a red head, black wings and tail, and long white feathers on its head. Its body is apricot-yellow with colorful patterns.
Also pronounced wen. The meaning is the same.