Inscription Characteristics of Bronzes in Western Zhou Dynasty

Inscription is an important feature of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Most of the inscriptions on bronzes in the Western Zhou Dynasty have chronological nature, which has become an important basis for studying the chronology of bronzes in the Western Zhou Dynasty. Its contents can be mutually verified with ancient documents, and fonts directly form the basis for studying ancient Chinese characters, so the inscriptions on bronze in the Western Zhou Dynasty are of precious value to archaeology, philology and history.

Compared with the Shang Dynasty, the number of inscriptions on bronze in the Western Zhou Dynasty has obviously increased, from more than 40 words in the previous Shang Dynasty to hundreds of words. Among them, Mao Dui's 497~499 words (due to different opinions) are the most. Its contents include: family badges, users, manufacturers, important events, achievements of ancestors, transactions, warnings from Zhou Wang, etc. The style of the book has also changed from a loose and easy style in the early stage to a rigorous "jade chopsticks" in the middle and late stage. It is of great significance to understand the early history of China, to study the early art of calligraphy, and to help the study of ancient literature.

Important inscriptions on historical sites related to the Zhou Dynasty, such as the period, accurately recorded the date of cutting the Zhou Dynasty. He Zun left the original record of the construction of Luoyang, the eastern capital, by Zhou kings in Wu and Cheng Dynasties. I am single? Fang Ding has information about Zhou rebellion; He Gui recorded the deeds of Zhao's conquest of Jingchu. Others, such as those reflecting the Chinese riots during the reign of King Li, are there? The "Zhongxing" reappeared by Mao and Jia Pan reflects the social culture and economy of the Western Zhou Dynasty, such as Tian Wugui, Ding and Ci Ding. , which involves the enfeoffment system of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Stuart. Gui, Hou Yi Kang Gui, was attended by Gui Jing, Qi Gui, Chang Qi, Ding Ling, etc. , involving the land form of the Western Zhou Dynasty? Ding, Wei Heng, five-year sacrifice, nine-year sacrifice, Gui, Pan, etc. Moo, you and others have preserved important materials of the legal system of the Western Zhou Dynasty. In addition, a large number of inscriptions reflect the relationship between the Western Zhou Dynasty and Dongyi, Huaiyi, Guifang, Jingchu,? Wars, such as Su Gui and Ban Gui in Xiao Chen and Gui Ling in Ding Xiaoyu? Hey hey hey? Teacher? Gui, Ding Duoyou, Pan and so on. There are also wallboard outlining the early history of the Western Zhou Dynasty. These can be used to collect ancient historical materials or make up for the shortcomings of ancient books, which is very valuable.

The format of inscriptions in the Western Zhou Dynasty is also unique. Although there was no standardized and unified format in the early days, it was obviously more detailed than that in the Shang Dynasty, and there were also some creations, such as inscriptions with the nature of books. After King Mu, the number of records in the book was increased and gradually finalized, and it was popular until the late Western Zhou Dynasty. Typical records of book ordering include time, place, suitable person, book ordering, compliments, wishes and so on. Among them, the longevity words in the book describe the reasons and contents of being granted, and become important materials for understanding the etiquette, official system and clothing hierarchy of the Western Zhou Dynasty.