缸

Phono-semantic compound:

缶 (장군 부) — semantic component, indicates vessels made of clay or earthenware.

工 (장인 공) — phonetic component, provides the sound gāng / hang and also connotes craftsmanship or workmanship.

Thus 缶 + 工 → 缸, literally “crafted jar,” implying a large handmade earthen vessel.

According to Shuowen Jiezi (說文解字):

「缸，大瓮也。从缶，工聲。」

“缸 means a large earthen vessel (wěng); composed of 缶 and phonetic 工.”

水缸 (수항) — water jar, large container for water

浴缸 (욕항) — bathtub (literally “bathing jar”)

魚缸 (어항) — fishbowl; aquarium (literally “fish jar”)

花缸 (화항) — flower pot or decorative jar

酒缸 (주항) — wine vat; fermentation jar

The character is ancient, appearing already in the Eastern Han lexicon Shuowen Jiezi with the same core meaning.

Archaeological texts describe large earthenware jars (缸) excavated from Han-dynasty tombs, used for storing water, wine, or grains.

In Dream of the Red Chamber (紅樓夢, 18th century):

「寶玉忙掀起水缸的蓋子，舀出些水來洗臉。」

“Baoyu quickly lifted the lid of the water jar and scooped out some water to wash his face.” — Here 缸 clearly means “water jar.”

Modern Chinese usage continues in words like 浴缸 (bathtub) and 水缸 (water tank).

In Korean traditional culture, earthen jars (항아리 / 장독) correspond functionally to 缸, often used for fermenting soy sauce or kimchi.

Its core sense — “large clay vessel for liquids” — has remained consistent from ancient to modern times, later extending to mean tubs or tanks.

In both Chinese and Korean contexts, 缸 evokes utility, craftsmanship, and the domestic art of storage and preservation.