Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 六 (liù) originally depicted a simple hut or shelter in oracle bone script, representing the concept of 'dwelling.' Over time, its form simplified into the modern shape. In ancient Chinese philosophy, it came to represent the number six, associated with the Yijing (I Ching) where it symbolizes the yin aspect in numerology. The character's evolution shows how a concrete concept transformed into an abstract numerical symbol while maintaining structural simplicity. Arrived in Japan: The character 六 arrived in Japan during the Yayoi period (approximately 300 BCE-300 CE) through cultural exchange with China, but became systematically established during the Asuka period (538-710 CE) when Japan officially adopted Chinese writing systems along with Buddhism and other cultural elements.