Oracle Bone Script with Calligraphy

Be amazed with the world’s oldest written language through calligraphy and friendly activities inspired by ancient history and symbolism.

The oracle bone script is over 3000 years old and is the earliest known form of Chinese writing found inscribed on oracle bones. Oracle bones are pieces of ox shoulder blade or turtle plastron used to record questions and answers, which were sought by divination at the court of the emperor in the Shang dynasty (1600 - 1046 BC). It was a way for the ruling emperor to seek guidance from Heaven on how to govern the country and the people.

Oracle bone script is directly ancestral to modern Chinese script and many other East Asian writing systems. The oracle bone script is pictorial in nature. Characters are made up of pictographs, ideographs and signs, and these may be combined to give complex and profound meaning to a word.

Visit our Oracle Bone Calligraphy stall to learn more about this fascinating ancient treasure. You can also join our family friendly workshops which includes activities for everyone.