clerical script of the Han dynasty; New Text Classics
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
clerical script (li-shu) as the standard script of the Han dynasty
archaicA historical term referring to the simplified, official script used in the Han dynasty, distinct from the earlier seal scripts (古文).
Official documents of the Han dynasty were mostly written in clerical script.
The clerical script was more convenient for writing than the ancient script.
noun
New Text Classics; Confucian classics recorded in Han-dynasty clerical script
archaicRefers to the version of Confucian classics that were orally transmitted during the Qin dynasty's book burning and later transcribed in the Han-dynasty clerical script. They were the subject of major scholarly debates against the 'Old Text' (古文经) classics.
The New Text school of classical studies once held orthodox status during the Han dynasty.
Differences between the New Text and Old Text Classics sparked long-lasting debates.