Research On The Ancient Chinese Characters Of Hu Xiaoshi

Hu Xiaoshi is a famous experts in the art of calligraphy and ancient Chinese characters, whose mainly writings are widely contained. While the research on ancient Chinese characters is not that much, comparing with other experts who are contemporary to him in the same field. Here following the major works he left to us: The Grammar and Style of Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells(《甲骨文例》),Reading Notes of Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells(《读契札记》),Explanations of Inscriptions on Bronze(《金文释例》),Shuowen Bushou(《说文部首》),The Study on Shuowen Guwen(《说文古文》),Jinshifan Gatherings(《金石蕃锦集》),The Copy of Oracle Inscriptions Hidden By Ku and Fang(《害库方二氏所藏甲骨卜辞印本》),(?)is The Same As Changruo In Oracle Inscriptions(《卜辞中之(?)即昌若说》),Explanations on The Newly Discovered Bronze Brass of Chu in Chouchun(《寿春新出楚王鼎考释》),Explanations on The Newly Discovered Bronze Brass of Chu in Chouchun-I(《寿春新出楚王鼎考释又一器》),Explanations on The Bronze Brass of Chu in Chouchun, Conserved By Anhui Library(《安徽省立图书馆新得嘉春出土楚王铊鼎铭释》),etc.. This subject takes Hu’s research in ancient Chinese characters as a main purpose to discuss. By the organized way of analysis, induction, we can come to the conclusion of Mr. Hu’s methods and qualities in researching, and give a more proper assessment, as well as judgment to his entire values objectively as far as possible.This paper is written into four parts. The first one is the concisely introduction of our topic. In this part, we introduce the books and articles, learning and teaching experiences of Hu Xiaoshi. At the same time, it will also be illustrated of the goals, methods, significances, thoughts and the present situation from home and abroad on the research. Then following the second part, which consists of three small topics, explaining the results sought by Mr. Hu separately about Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells, Inscriptions on Bronze, and Shuowenjiezi. According to Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells, we compare the studies of the characters with which are also explained in other books, such as The Gathering of Explanations to Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells(《甲骨文字诂林》),after presenting the two important books:The Grammar and Style of Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells(《甲骨文例》),Reading Notes of Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells(《读契札记》).Thus, we can sum up Mr. Hu’s thoughts, fruits and some mistakes. When it turns to the Inscriptions on Bronze, Mr. Hu, who writes Explanations of Inscriptions on Bronze(《金文释例》)and Jinshifan Gatherings(《金石蕃锦集》),laid particular emphasis on the art of calligraphy than that of grapheme. However, there are still some information, which are related to history and culture, reflected in his words, which are worthy of fully attention. Another topic is about Shuowenjiezi, for which Shuowen Bushou(《说文部首》)and The Study on Shuowen Guwen(《说文古文考》)were written. On this project, comparison is mainly held to talk about the right and wrong between Mr. Hu’s research and other experts such as New Study on Form, Sound and Meaning of Shuowen Bushou(《说文部首形义新证》),By Dong Lianchi, List of Copied Guwen(《传抄古文字编》),By Xu Zaiguo, Sensible Argument of The Warring States Characters(《战国文字通论(订补)》),By He Linyi, etc. Obviously, we still choose comparison method as one of our two major means. Not only will Mr. Hu’s research be put into comparison with those of former scholars in the same field, but it will also be compared with contemporary scholars, as well as their latest researches. Another one is analytical method. Though this way, we can analyze Mr. Hu’s studies one by one, and give an accurate classification and definition to his results mentioned above, thus helping us to further understanding all his works. Meanwhile, the writing thought of this topic is:After the introduction of those books, we firstly analyze Mr. Hu’s explanations and make a judge. Certainly, the reason of right or wrong should also be lined up. The third part is the theories of Mr. Hu’s research. We discuss his methods of learning Inscriptions on Bones and Tortoise Shells, Inscriptions on Bronze and Shuowenjiezi through form, sound, meaning and so on, then sum up his characteristics of work in order to provide some useful information for philology. Generally, the last part is the conclusions about Mr. Hu’s achievement and shortage.There are totally two results of this paper. First of all, it’s the first time to probe into Mr. Hu’s study on ancient Chinese characters deeply and systematically ever before. Furthermore, by judging Mr. Hu’s achievement and shortage of methods and characteristics of the research with the sight of philology, we can provide some profitable references when assessing his academic achievement and weakness widely. What’s more, this paper may contribute to the development of our branch in an certain extent.