Xu Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Metal (jīn)
Quan
Kangxi Stroke Count: 14
Page 1304, Entry 06
Tang Rhymes (Tangyun): Pronounced quan
Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun) and Rhyme Anthology (Yunhui): Pronounced quan
Shuowen Jiezi: To weigh.
Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun): To measure, to arrange in order, to estimate.
Approaching Elegance (Erya), Explanation of Words: To weigh.
Commentary: This refers to weighing the lightness or heaviness of something.
History of the Former Han (Qianhan), Biography of Wang Mang: To examine and measure by weighing.
Commentary: To weigh means to balance.
Jade Chapters (Yupian): A tool for smoothing wood.
Three Quan: According to the Six Statutes of the Tang (Tang Liudian), the Ministry of Personnel utilized the Three Quan system. The Minister of Personnel oversaw one, known as the Minister's Quan. The Vice Ministers divided the remaining two, known as the Central Quan and the Eastern Quan. Talents were selected based on four criteria: physical appearance, speech, calligraphy, and legal judgment. They were evaluated across three categories: virtue, talent, and meritorious service. Generally, for those outside the regular flow of officials, such as those recommended by the Ministry of War or the Ministry of Rites, the department directors were permitted to manage them independently, which was known as the minor selection.
Commentary: The Minister oversaw the selection of officials ranked seventh grade and above, while the Vice Ministers oversaw the selection of officials ranked eighth grade and below.
A surname. There was a Han dynasty Colonel of the Captured Qiang, Quan Zheng.
Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun): Also written in a variant form (quan).
Zhuangzi, External Things: Those who are of mediocre talent and prone to sarcastic speech.
Commentary: To estimate the character of people. Also written in a variant form (quan).