2.2 Early forms of Chinese literature: inscriptions and bronze inscriptions

Early Chinese literature began with inscriptions on oracle bones and bronze vessels. These texts, dating back to the Shang and Zhou dynasties, offer glimpses into ancient Chinese society, politics, and beliefs.

Bronze inscriptions, cast onto ritual vessels during the Western Zhou period, served as historical records and commemorative texts. They documented important events, land grants, and royal decrees, providing valuable insights into early Chinese writing and governance.

Ritual Vessels and Inscriptions

Commemorative Texts on Ritual Vessels

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• Bronze inscriptions were texts cast into bronze ritual vessels during the Western Zhou period (1046-771 BCE)
• Ritual vessels were used in ceremonies and sacrifices to honor ancestors and deities
  • Examples include ding tripods, gui tureens, and hu wine containers
• Commemorative texts on these vessels recorded important events, achievements, or dedications
  • Often included the name of the vessel's owner, their lineage, and the occasion for the vessel's creation
• These inscriptions provide valuable insights into the political, social, and religious aspects of early Chinese society

Historical Records and Documentation

• Bronze inscriptions also served as historical records documenting significant moments in the Western Zhou period
• Inscriptions chronicled military victories, land grants, appointments, and other key events
  • The Mao Gong Ding inscription, for instance, records a royal decree granting land and titles to a loyal nobleman
• These texts offer a glimpse into the administrative and bureaucratic practices of the Western Zhou government
• The inscriptions demonstrate the early development of Chinese writing and its use in official documentation

Historical Periods

Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BCE)

• The Western Zhou period marked the beginning of the Zhou dynasty, which followed the Shang dynasty (1600-1046 BCE)
• During this time, the Zhou kings established a feudal system, granting land and titles to loyal nobles in exchange for their allegiance
• The Western Zhou period saw the development of the concept of the Mandate of Heaven, which legitimized the rule of virtuous kings
• Bronze inscriptions from this period reflect the political and social structure of the Western Zhou, with a focus on the relationship between the king and his nobles

Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BCE)

• The Eastern Zhou period began when the Zhou capital was moved eastward due to nomadic invasions
• This period was characterized by a gradual decline in the power of the Zhou kings and the rise of independent states
• The Eastern Zhou is further divided into two sub-periods: the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BCE) and the Warring States period (475-221 BCE)
• Literature from this period, such as the Zuo Zhuan and the Guoyu, provides historical accounts and philosophical discussions reflecting the political and intellectual developments of the time

Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BCE)

• The Spring and Autumn period saw the emergence of powerful states competing for dominance, such as Qi, Jin, and Chu
• This period is named after the Spring and Autumn Annals, a historical chronicle attributed to Confucius that records events in the state of Lu from 722 to 481 BCE
• The Spring and Autumn period witnessed the rise of philosophical schools, such as Confucianism and Daoism, which sought to address the political and moral challenges of the time
• Literature from this period, including the Analects of Confucius and the Daodejing, reflects the intellectual ferment and the search for political and moral order

Warring States Period (475-221 BCE)

• The Warring States period was characterized by intense military conflicts among the seven major states: Qin, Chu, Yan, Han, Zhao, Wei, and Qi
• This period saw significant advancements in military technology, such as the use of iron weapons and cavalry
• The Warring States period also witnessed a flourishing of philosophical schools, known as the Hundred Schools of Thought
  • Notable philosophers include Mencius (Confucianism), Zhuangzi (Daoism), Han Feizi (Legalism), and Mozi (Mohism)
• Literature from this period, such as the Zhuangzi and the Han Feizi, showcases the diverse philosophical perspectives and the intellectual debates of the time