Ba–Shu scripts
The Ba–Shu scripts are three undeciphered scripts found on bronzeware from the states of Ba and Shu in the Sichuan basin in the 5th and 4th centuries BC. Numerous signature seals have been found in Ba–Shu graves, suggesting that the states used written records, though none have been found.[1] The known inscriptions are too few to be deciphered, or even to identify the language recorded.[2]
The first script was used to decorate weapons found in Ba graves in eastern Sichuan. It features tiger-totem motifs and other pictographic symbols.[3] The longest inscription, on a lacquer tray found near Changsha, Hunan, consists of 11 symbols.[4]
The second script is found in both western and eastern Sichuan, on five halberd blades, a belt buckle and the base of a bronze vessel. Some scholars believe this script to be phonetic, pointing to similarities between some of the symbols and symbols of the later Yi script.[5][6] Except for one symbol resembling the Chinese character 王 ("king"), the symbols cannot be connected with Chinese characters, or with the earlier pictographic script.[3]
The third script is known from a single sample, an inscription on the lid of a bronze vessel found in a grave in Baihuatan, Chengdu dating from c. 476 BC. It may also be phonetic.[7]
References
- ↑ Sage (1992), pp. 73–74.
- ↑ Sage (1992), p. 75.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Sage (1992), p. 74.
- ↑ Sage (1992), p. 59.
- ↑ Sage (1992), pp. 74–75, 244–245.
- ↑ Li 2000, p. 20.
- ↑ Sage (1992), pp. 74–75.
Works cited
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
External links
- Rhinoceros-form Ba–Shu seal, Christies sale 2509, lot 899.
- Ram-form Ba–Shu seal, Christies sale 2509, lot 898.
- Square Ba–Shu seal
- Tiger-form Ba–Shu seal, City University of Hong Kong.
