Archery

Emperor Qianlong Shooting an Arrow, by Wang Zhicheng, Qing Dynasty, collected by the Palace Museum in Beijing. [Photo/Artron.net]

During ancient times, the origin of archery was closely related with hunting and defence. Ancient archery is not only an athletic event, a military training program, and an entertainment activity, but also part of education.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770–476BC) and Warring States Period (475–221BC), archery was a sport, and formal archery contests were held during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties (220-589). During the Tang Dynasty, archery was an important part of the Wuju Imperial Examinations, and special archers were organized during the Yuan Dynasty. Many emperors in the Qing Dynasty were skillful archers, especially the Emperor Kangxi and Emperor Qianlong.

A detail from the painting Emperor Qianlong Shooting an Arrow. [Photo/Artron.net]