Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 空 is composed of two parts: 穴 (cave, hole) and 工 (work, craft). Its original meaning was 'cave' or 'hollow space.' Over time, it evolved to represent the abstract concept of 'sky' or 'heavens' (the great emptiness above) and 'emptiness' or 'void.' In Buddhist philosophy, it took on the profound meaning of 'śūnyatā'—the fundamental emptiness or lack of inherent existence in all phenomena. This journey from a physical hollow to a metaphysical concept illustrates the depth of Chinese character evolution. Arrived in Japan: The character 空, along with the Chinese writing system, was introduced to Japan around the 5th century AD, likely via the Korean Peninsula. It became formally established in Japan during the Asuka and Nara periods (6th-8th centuries) as part of the broader cultural importation that included Buddhism and Confucian texts.