Ancient paintings depict Chinese forerunners of Olympic sports

Chuiwan: ancient golf

Emperor Xuanzong of Ming Dynasty at Leisure collected by the Palace Museum, portrays the emperor playing Chuiwan. [Photo/Artron.net]

Chuiwan is an ancient ball game using a stick to hit balls, and quite similar to modern golf. The earliest records of Chuiwan dated back to a book from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) entitled Wan Classic. Chuiwan prevailed during the Song Dynasty and Yuan Dynasty, and was always mentioned in Yuan Dynasty verses and dramas. Since the Ming Dynasty, Chuiwan went into decline.

Chuiwan was always played in the open air, and by kicking the ball into holes with flags in order to win.

Ming Dynasty painter Du Jin's painting portrays women playing Chuiwan in court. [Photo/Artron.net]