Khitan Character 18C29

Its chart label is not a reading. Khitan small script uses logograms (whole-word signs) and phonograms (sound signs); phonograms usually group to spell words. The Unicode name “Character-18C29” gives 𘰩’s chart position, not its reading.

Khitan cluster layout follows set patterns in vertical, right-to-left text; digital display needs special support to keep groups arranged.

Why was Khitan small script created?

To fit Khitan words better. Yelü Diela devised it around 925 under the Khitan-led Liao dynasty. Khitan adds endings to word roots; the earlier Large Script relied more on whole-word signs.

Its shapes drew on Chinese characters; its sound system drew on the Uyghur script used farther west. It served records, monuments, poetry, and translations. Jurchen rulers modeled their scripts on Khitan forms; the Jin court abolished Khitan writing in 1191.