The evolution of Chinese characters

Oracle Bone Inscriptions is named after being carved on the bones of tortoise shells, which is a kind of book trace circulated in the Yin and Shang Dynasties. The content is an Oracle Bone Inscriptions, which records the 270-year migration from Pan Geng to Zhou Wang, and is the earliest book trace. Yin merchants have three characteristics, namely, believing in history, drinking alcohol and worshiping ghosts and gods; Because of this, these tortoise shells, which decided many things such as fishing, conquest and agriculture, can be rediscovered in later generations and become important materials for studying China characters.

In Shang dynasty, the pen and ink were excellent, and the calligraphy was thin and sharp because of engraving, which had the interest of a blade. Influenced by the rise and fall of writing style, it can be divided into five periods, which are introduced below.

First, the majestic period:

From Pan Geng to Wuding, about one hundred years ago, influenced by the flourishing age of Wuding, the calligraphy style was magnificent, which was the acme of oracle calligraphy. Generally speaking, the pen is round and sharp, full of variety, regardless of fat or thin, full of vitality.

Secondly, I sincerely hope that:

It took about forty years from Zu Geng to Zujia. Both of them are holy kings. Calligraphy in this period was just vigorous, generally inherited the style of the previous generation, stuck to the rules and rarely made new ones, but it was not as vigorous and bold as the previous generation.

Third, the decadent period:

It has been fourteen years since Suan Xin came to Kangding. This period can be said to be the autumn of the decline of literary style in Yin Dynasty. Although there are still many neat books, the paragraphs are scattered and irregular, not so regular, a little childish and confused, and the number of typos is not uncommon.

Fourth, steep period:

It took about seventeen years to get from Wuyishan to Dingding. Wu Wending is determined to restore the boldness of the Wuding era, and his calligraphy style has become vigorous and powerful, showing a youthful atmosphere. There is a very strong style in the slender brush strokes.

Verb (abbreviation for verb) strict term:

It's about 89 years since I first came to Di Xin. Calligraphy style tends to be rigorous, slightly close to the second phase; Lengthened in length, cautious, not decadent, and lacking in heroic spirit.

Fine print on Oracle Bone Inscriptions is also influenced by knife carving.

In divination, "yes" or "no" is often engraved on both sides of the central longitudinal line of tortoise shell, written from the central line to the left and right, so the two sides are symmetrical and harmonious, with symmetrical beauty. Moreover, after engraving, all the big and small characters are filled with ink and ink, or both sides are Zhu Mo, which is more artistic and can be called a miracle in the history of books.