Description
Hanging scrolls, ink on paper
Copyright Statement
Details
Title
- Dong Zuobin, Couplet in Oracle Bone Script
Contributors
Agent
- Dong Zuobin (Artist)
- 董 作賓 (Artist)
Date Created
The date the item was original created (prior to any relationship with the ASU Digital Repositories.)
1946
Collections this item is in
Identifier
- Identifier TypeLocally defined identifierIdentifier ValueCollection of Phoenix Art Museum. Gift of Jeannette Shambaugh Elliott 1984.563.A-B
Note
- Dimension: callgraphy 135.25 x 20.1 cm; mounting 169.5 x 28.5 cm
- Dong Zuobin (1895-1963) was best known as an archaeologist. Born in Nanyang, He’nan Province, he was one of the so-called “Four Scholars of the Oracle Bones,” and worked at various archaeological sites in China over his long career. Like many scholars, in addition to his research on oracle bones he also practiced calligraphy and copied the oracle bone script. In addition to his academic success, Dong Zuobin navigated the complex Chinese political landscape during periods of great change throughout his life.
Oracle Bone script is an ancient Chinese writing system, with examples coming from as early as the 14th century BC. These characters were found written in animal bones or turtle shells used in divination. Although the characters appear pictorial, it is very functional and has thousands of characters. Using the oracle bone script in calligraphy may be a reference to scholarship or antiquity.