This study aimed at investigating two Qín characters 雝 (yōng) and 爲 (wèi) based on period division using an overall character form analysis. To this end, based on the preceding study results supplemented with newly excavated Qín character documents, the following three lists of Qín character documents were set up in the order of creation: “Qín Bronze Inscription Periodization Chart,” “Qín Stone Carving Text Periodization Chart,” and “Qín Bamboo and Wooden Manuscript Periodization Chart.” Following this, the etymological origin of the two Qín characters 雝 (yōng) and 爲 (wèi) were examined and related Qín character documents were collected and arranged in a chronological order for period division. The results of this study are as follows.
With regard to the writing style of the Qín Character 雝 (yōng), a conservative style was sustained in succession to the style of Xīzhōu characters before the reign of Qín Xìaogōng in the Zhànguó period. However, after the 16th year of Qín Xìaogōng’s reign, the upper left part of this character changed to three short strokes while its lower left part was transformed into a form similar to “邑.” This style is even present in the Xiǎozhuàn style. It is therefore considered that the Qín character 雝 (yōng) underwent a change in form that represents the change of the times in the middle of the Zhànguó period.
The Qín character 爲 (wèi) went through many changes in form over a long period of time. Among them, two predominant changes enable the distinction of eras. First, this character changed to have a form similar to “日” with an oblique top after the 2nd year of Qín Wǔwáng’s reign, and this writing style is mainly found in Qín bamboo strips. Second, from the 51st year of Qín Zhāoxiāngwáng’s reign to the era of Qínshǐhuáng, simplified forms that removed the top of this character were partially used. As this writing style is shown only in 「Rìshū (日書)」 or 「Zhānmèngshū (占夢書)」 recorded during the same period and is not found in any documents of other periods, it can serve as a clear standard for period division.
The results of this study are expected to be used for the dating of Qín character documents to be excavated in the future, while serving as a basis for the dating of Qín character documents whose creation year has not yet been clearly identified. Furthermore, given the current situation where new Qín character documents are constantly unearthed, it is expected that relevant research will continue based on ample data. A more precise dating of Qín character documents based on these new findings will greatly contribute to the study of other related disciplines including history and archeology.