Revised engraving and original engraving of the Eulogy for Emperor Daozong in Khitan small script

Abstract

There are some passages that were revised in the existing Khitan small script epitaphs and eulogys, such as the Eulogy for Emperor Daozong and the Epitaph of the Late Mme. Yelü. Especially in the former one, the revised part is relatively large, consisting of as many as 9 lines, with more than 180 words in total. Regarding the reasons for revision, the differences between the revised and original engravings, as well as the pronunciation and meaning of related words, previous scholars believed that they only involve the differences in line indentation and respectful spacing. Through a detailed comparison between the rubbings and the original inscription, as well as an in-depth textual collation of the revised and original engravings, the authors have found that mis-engravings, spelled-form writings, revision of glyphs, and grammatical errors are the fundamental causes for the revision of this eulogy. At the same time, the authors further conclude through research that the etymology of the words meaning “order (of years)” and “temporary burial” in the Khitan small script may be cognate with Mongolic.