朝
チョウ, あさ, あ, あそ, ささ, ちか, とも

morning, dynasty, regime, epoch, period, (North) Korea

JLPT4 G2 S12 F248

The relevant bronzeware inscription form shows plants + an element combining 日 sun/day and a variant form of 水 water → the rising sun, as seen between plants. A seal inscription form combines an abbreviated form of 乾 (the sun rising high in the sky) + 舟, here an abbreviated form# of 朕 (rise) → rising of the *morning* sun. *Dynasty* is an extended meaning, connected with the practice of issuing imperial commands at the beginning of the day.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]