About
珩 (héng) is a phono-semantic compound: the left radical 王, the combining form of 玉 (yù) "jade", places it in the semantic field of precious stones and lapidary work; the right component 行 (xíng or héng) provides the pronunciation. The character denotes the top, horizontal jade piece of a pendant set worn by ancient nobility. This component served as the structural anchor from which strings of smaller jade beads and ornaments hung, and its intricate carvings signified the wearer's social rank and adherence to Confucian ideals of ritual propriety and moral virtue.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.