Epigraphy - epigraphy

In China, the study of inscriptions on bronze vessels is called oracle literature, while the study of characters carved into tortoise shells and animal bones is called oracle bone science. In addition to these two, the study of characters inscribed on ancient coins, seals, stone carvings, jade, pottery, tiles, bricks, bamboo, and wood is collectively called epigraphy. Epigraphy is said to have begun with the "Jigulu Bawei" (Postscript to the Records of Ancient Writings) by Ouyang Xiu (1007-72) of the Song dynasty. Ouyang Xiu's writings were based on the results of previous studies in paleography, classics, and history. After the Song dynasty, epigraphy became more precise with the rise of historical research in the Qing dynasty, but the excavation of the Yin Ruins during the Republic of China period led to the recognition of the importance of scientific research and excavation. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China, archaeological artifacts have been excavated one after another, and new perspectives are being introduced to the questions of authenticity that permeate epigraphy.

[Musha Sho]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

中国で、青銅器銘文研究が金文学で、亀甲(きっこう)や獣骨に刻まれた文字の研究が甲骨学であり、この二つのほかに、古銭、印璽(いんじ)、石刻、玉、陶器、瓦磚(がせん)、竹木などに記された文字の研究を総称して金石学とよぶ。金石学は、宋(そう)代の欧陽修(おうようしゅう)（1007―72）の『集古録跋尾(しっころくばつび)』に始まるとされている。欧陽修の書は、それまでの古文字学、経学、歴史学の成果のうえに成ったものである。宋代以後、清(しん)代の考証学の隆盛とともに金石学はより精密さを加えたが、中華民国期の殷墟(いんきょ)発掘を契機として科学的調査発掘の重要性が認識されるに至った。中華人民共和国の成立後、考古遺物の発掘が相次ぎ、金石学に付きまとう真偽問題にも新たな視点が導入されつつある。

［武者　章］

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