Through the use of archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and iconography, this book utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to research Chinese sports. A unique aspect of this book is that it documents the history and culture of Chinese sports through relics of mythology, rock paintings, painted pottery, oracle bones, bronzes, tomb bricks, paintings, porcelain, copper mirrors, and ancient books and literature. Through illustrations and text, the book traces the origin, development, evolution, and dissemination of ancient Chinese sports through various historical periods.

In the global world of the twenty-first century, martial arts are practised for self-defense and sporting purposes only. However, for thousands of years, they were a central feature of military practice in China and essential for the smooth functioning of society. This book, which opens with an intriguing account of the very first female martial artist, charts the history of combat and fighting techniques in China from the Bronze Age to the present. This broad panorama affords fascinating glimpses into the transformation of martial skills, techniques and weaponry against the background of Chinese history, the rise and fall of empires, their governments and their armies. Quotations from literature and poetry, and the stories of individual warriors, infuse the narrative, offering personal reflections on prowess in the battlefield and techniques of engagement. This is an engaging and readable introduction to the authentic history of Chinese martial arts.

Through the use of archaeology, anthropology, sociology, and iconography, this book utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to research Chinese sports. A unique aspect of this book is that it documents the history and culture of Chinese sports through relics of mythology, rock paintings, painted pottery, oracle bones, bronzes, tomb bricks, paintings, porcelain, copper mirrors, and ancient books and literature. Through illustrations and text, the book traces the origin, development, evolution, and dissemination of ancient Chinese sports through various historical periods.

My First Book of Chinese Calligraphy is a fun and engaging introduction to one of China's most popular arts and crafts for kids. Calligraphy—the art of producing decorative handwriting or lettering with a pen or brush—has been around for thousands of years. In this fun calligraphy for kids book, readers will follow along with Mimi, an eight year old, who takes her first steps towards learning this magical art. Dive in, and explore: The Evolution of Chinese Writing—how Chinese characters first began, thousands of years ago, and how they have evolved The Order of the Strokes—learn how to write the strokes in the correct order The Radicals—what are they, and how to unlock their secrets The Four Treasures of Calligraphy— the four essential tools to get started Movements and Position—how to master your mind's focus, your breathing and even how to move The Five Styles of Calligraphy—Zhuan Shu (seal), Li Shu (clerical), Kai Shu (regular), Cao Shu (cursive), and Xing Shu (running) The Eight Strokes— how to draw the 8 strokes; with them, you can write anything Writing a Character in Calligraphy—create an entire character in calligraphy

This beautifully illustrated social history of China highlights various aspects of traditional China as seen through the eyes of foreign visitors and residents from the time of the first trading contacts with China in the mid-sixteenth century to the beginning of World War II. The lives and lifestyles of the fascinating mix of people who came to China, as well as the places they visited and the sights and customs that attracted their attention, are set against the backdrop of China's great cities and it's ancient culture. A short history of the period sets the scene in each chapter, allowing the reader to follow the dramatic changes that took place through the turbulent years when China moved from feudal empire to republic. The illustrated sections which follow focus on notable themes and topics. The hundreds of unique images in China Illustrated, including early engravings and maps, hand–colored prints, studio portraits and amateur photographs, postcards, drawings and cartons come from the private collection of Arthur Hacker. Collected with the eye of an artist and the knowledge of a historian they eloquently bring China's social history to life.

Encouraging readers in other international settings to consider this topic from their own cultural contexts, this collection demonstrates how China has created new forms of influence through sport and considers what this might mean for how we understand the deeper role sport can play on the world stage.

Explains the origins, materials, and meaning of traditional art in China, and describes the development of painting, sculpture, calligraphy, architecture, and other media.