Compared with oracle bone inscriptions, there are many differences between bronze inscriptions. Oracle bone inscriptions are heavily pictographic and have complex glyphs, while bronze inscriptions are relatively simple. In addition, the strokes of oracle bone inscriptions are arbitrarily omitted and have many variations. Bronze inscriptions are relatively consistent. Judging from the tools used, oracle bone inscriptions are carved on tortoise shells and animal bones with knives and inscriptions. The strokes are very thin, and there is no possibility of fat pens such as ink balls. The parts that need to be filled in are generally filled with outlines. At the same time, it is difficult to turn around freely, so you usually have to start over and write in a square shape. Bronze inscriptions are mainly cast with molds, so even if the strokes are very thin, they will be doubled when cast. It is thick, with fat pens appearing, and the turning points are also rounded, without edges and corners, and the structure is thick. The engraving has sharper lines due to the entry and closing of the knife at both ends. The difference in materials, tools and engraving methods determines The general difference in style between bronze inscriptions and oracle bone inscriptions.
Reference books
"Oracle Bone Inscriptions Collection" edited by Guo Moruo
"General Theory of Oracle Bone Inscriptions" written by Wang Yuxin
"An Examination of the Ancestors and Kings Seen in the Yin Inscriptions" by Wang Guowei
"The Collection of Yin and Zhou Bronze Inscriptions" Compiled by the Institute of Archaeology
"The Three Dynasties Jijin Inscriptions" (Part 1, 3) Volume, 20 volumes. Luo Zhenyu