衮

袞

gǔn

亠 + 公 + 𧘇

Definitions

gǔn imperial robe

Etymology

Phonosemantic compound. 衣 represents the meaning and 公 represents the sound. Simplified form of 袞.

About

衮 is a phonosemantic compound combining the semantic component 衣 'clothing' and the phonetic component 公. It is the simplified version of the traditional character 袞. The term originally referred to the formal ceremonial robes worn by the Chinese emperor and the highest-ranking nobles during major state sacrifices and ancient rituals. These robes were richly embroidered with imperial symbols, including dragons and elements of the natural world. Because the garment was exclusively reserved for the highest echelon of the social hierarchy, the character itself acquired the symbolic meanings of imperial authority and royal dignity. In the traditional form 袞, the element 衣 sits below 公, while the simplified 衮 envelops 公 within 衣; both arrangements use the same two components and convey the identical meaning.