Explore each form from the oldest known stage to today.
The character 飾 evolved from ancient pictographs showing decorative elements. In Liushutong, L28266 shows a form closer to modern 飾, combining elements meaning 'food/meal' (飠) and 'person with headdress' (巾), suggesting the meaning 'to adorn' or 'decorate.' Originally referring to physical decoration and ornamentation, it expanded to include metaphorical meanings like 'pretend' or 'disguise.' The character maintains its core concept of embellishment throughout its evolution from bronze script to modern standard form. Arrived in Japan: The character 飾 likely arrived in Japan during the 5th-6th centuries CE along with the broader introduction of Chinese writing system (kanji) through Buddhist texts and cultural exchange with China and Korean peninsula. It became established as part of the Japanese writing system during the Asuka and Nara periods when Japan systematically adopted Chinese characters.