Golden Script Common Character Dictionary

Author: Pu Maozuo (Compiler)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Gold inscriptions refer to the characters carved or cast on bells, ding vessels, and other bronze artifacts during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. Among unearthed bronze artifacts, bells and ding vessels are the most numerous, hence they are also known as "bell and ding inscriptions." To facilitate the learning of enthusiasts, this book selects common characters from Shang and Zhou gold inscriptions and arranges them according to their styles. At the end of the book, there are two types of index tables: stroke order and Pinyin. This book serves as both a calligraphy workbook and a dictionary. With it in hand, one can appreciate, practice, and look up characters. The Shang Dynasty society revered gods and ancestors, and gold inscriptions, as the texts used in sacrificial rituals to pray to gods and ancestors, were constrained by the consciousness of the theocracy. Calligraphers placed great emphasis on traditional artistic expression, giving the impression of an unchanging style. The horizontal, vertical, curved, and angular strokes were standardized but lacked reverence, and the style tended to be simplified, often featuring a slender and sinewy script. For numerals, the inscriptions were typically bold.