When did ancient Chinese calligraphy start?

Ancient Chinese calligraphy dates back to the Shang Dynasty (around 1600–1046 BCE), where inscriptions were made on oracle bones. The earliest forms of Chinese writing evolved through various dynasties, with significant developments during the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE) and later in the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE) when standardized scripts were established. Calligraphy became an esteemed art form during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), further refining techniques and styles.