冬とう官かん

noun

Ministry of Works (Zhou dynasty)

Historical term for one of the six ministries under the Zhou dynasty's Rites of Zhou (周礼). Specifically, the office overseeing public works, construction, and crafts. Not used in modern Japanese government.

See also: 六官

• 周しゅうの時じ代だい、冬とう官かんは土ど木ぼくや工こう芸げいを司つかさどった。

  During the Zhou period, the Ministry of Works oversaw civil engineering and crafts.

• 「冬とう官かん」は六りっ官かんの一ひとつで、後のちの工こう部ぶに相そう当とうする。

  冬官 is one of the six ministries, corresponding to the later Ministry of Public Works.