The fragment comes with a character “bird.” In oracle bone scripts, 
and 
both depict birds. The former is used mostly as a function word and its form highlights feathers in flight. The latter’s highlight on its beak is more pictographic and it subsequently becomes a general term for birds.
Related Scripts
: This toponym is in the pictograph featuring a crowing rooster highlighting its upright crest.
: The script “to watch” depicts an owl with feathers on its head.
: A swallow with an opening beak, spread wings, and a forked tail.
and both depict birds. The former is used mostly as a function word and its form highlights feathers in flight. The latter’s highlight on its beak is more pictographic and it subsequently becomes a general term for birds.Related Scripts
: This toponym is in the pictograph featuring a crowing rooster highlighting its upright crest.: The script “to watch” depicts an owl with feathers on its head.: A swallow with an opening beak, spread wings, and a forked tail.- Item No.
- R031973
- Period
- Late Shang Period
- Dimensions
- 2.6(L)×2.1(W) cm
- Excavated/Findspot
- Ｈsiao-t'un, Anyang County, Honan Province
- Materials
- Turtle Plastron
