On Writer, Carver And Diviner Of Oracle Inscriptions

To the present time, the monumental classification theory of oracle inscriptions by Tung Tso-pin, published in the immediately preceding the war, has been considered as the most important study in this field. The five classifications appear to be but five concise words:magnificent, prudent, decadent, strengthful and formative, are in reality valuable, which threw lights upon the chaos of thousands of oracle inscriptions in his day. However, with the development of academic study, the theory is no longer available nowadays as there are two controversies arising. They are, firstly, writers, carvers, and diviners of divination inscriptions are not always the same person, secondly, multiple carving styles can be made possible in the same period. By resorting to the rediscussion of the relationships between writers and carvers, carvers and diviners, enumeration of the different styles of every period, this paper gives the appropriate answers. In addition, the writer presents her ideas in the end serving as a modest spur to induce someone to come forward with his valuable contributions.