Qiu Xigui, a renowned Chinese paleographer, historian, and expert on ancient Chinese writing, has died aged 89. He was celebrated for his systematic approach to deciphering ancient characters, particularly from oracle bones and excavated manuscripts like those from Mawangdui and Guodian. His influential book, 'Wenzixue Gaiyao' (Chinese Writing), outlined his analytic method. He also promoted international scholarly cooperation.
Qiu Xigui obituary
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Qiu Xigui, a renowned Chinese paleographer, historian, and expert on ancient Chinese writing, has died aged 89. He was celebrated for his systematic approach to deciphering ancient characters, particularly from oracle bones and excavated manuscripts like those from Mawangdui and Guodian. His influential book, 'Wenzixue Gaiyao' (Chinese Writing), outlined his analytic method. He also promoted international scholarly cooperation.
- 1 1936: Born in Shanghai.
- 2 1949: Communist party came to power (Qiu was a teenager).
- 3 1952: Admitted to history department of Fudan University.
- 4 1956: Graduated, accompanied Hu Houxuan to Institute of History of Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing.
- 5 1960: Appointed to teach at Peking University.
- 6 Periods during Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution: Labored in countryside, self-criticism, but continued research.
- 7 1972: Changsha Mawangdui tomb discovered.
- 8 1974: Joined group transcribing Mawangdui manuscripts.
- 9 1982-83: Taught paleography at University of Washington in Seattle.
- 10 1988: 'Wenzixue Gaiyao' first published.
- 11 1992: Invited to London by Soas University of London.
- 12 1993: Guodian Chu slips found in Hubei province.
- 13 1998: Guodian manuscripts published with Qiu's annotations.
- 14 2000: 'Chinese Writing' (English translation) published; received honorary doctorate from University of Chicago.
- 15 2005: Invited to Fudan to head new Centre for Research on Excavated Classics and Paleography.
- 16 Later life: Diagnosed with glaucoma, became totally blind, continued work by dictating.
- 17 Died aged 89.
- His death marks the end of a significant career in paleography
- His work profoundly influenced the understanding of ancient Chinese writing and civilization
- He fostered international academic collaboration
- He became blind later in life but continued his work
What: Qiu Xigui, a prominent Chinese paleographer and historian, died at 89. He was instrumental in the study of ancient Chinese writing, including oracle bones and excavated manuscripts, and authored the influential book 'Wenzixue Gaiyao'.
When: Died aged 89 (recently, implied by obituary); born in 1936; Communist party came to power in 1949 (when he was a teenager); admitted to Fudan University in 1952; graduated in 1956; appointed to Peking University in 1960; 1972 (Mawangdui tomb discovered); 1974 (joined group transcribing Mawangdui manuscripts); 1982-83 (taught at University of Washington); 1988 ('Wenzixue Gaiyao' first published); 1992 (invited to London); 1993 (Guodian Chu slips found); 1998 (Guodian manuscripts published); 2000 ('Chinese Writing' translated, honorary doctorate from University of Chicago); 2005 (invited to Fudan to head new center).
Where: Died (location not specified); born in Shanghai, China; studied and taught at Fudan University (Shanghai) and Peking University (Beijing); worked at Institute of History of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing); research involved Yinxu (near Anyang, Henan province), Changsha Mawangdui (Hunan province), and Guodian (Hubei province); taught at University of Washington in Seattle, USA; received honorary doctorate from University of Chicago, USA; invited to London, UK.
Why: Qiu Xigui died aged 89. His life's work was dedicated to the rigorous study and decipherment of ancient Chinese scripts, driven by a deep intellectual curiosity and a commitment to advancing Chinese humanities research.
How: He developed a systematic analytic method for ancient Chinese characters, published influential academic works, taught and mentored students at various universities, and fostered international scholarly cooperation. He continued his work even after becoming blind by dictating his ideas.