History of Chinese Acrobatics -- Series of Specialized History Books

Author: Fu Qifeng, Fu Tenglong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Chinese acrobatic art is undoubtedly an important part of Chinese art, and thus an important part of Chinese culture. However, viewing and evaluating the history of Chinese acrobatics solely from this perspective is far from sufficient. Historically, acrobatics and its predecessors, such as wrestling and various performances, were closely related to the ritual music system, literature, Sino-Western exchanges, religion, folklore, and more throughout the dynasties (especially in the early feudal period). Today's acrobatic performances on stage were once linked to the grand and solemn court banquets, the colorful poetry and lyrics, the chapters of friendship along the Silk Road, the incense-filled Buddhist and Taoist temples, and the diverse folk performances. As a result, a series of topics such as acrobatics and ritual music, Han poetry, Tang poetry, Song Ci, Sino-Western exchanges and acrobatics, etc., can be deeply studied. Unfortunately, until now, there have been very few researchers of acrobatic history, leaving the academic research on this ancient art far behind the emerging sibling arts such as theater and quyi. The reason for this is simply the long-term discrimination of the ruling class against acrobatic art, with few individuals who possess high cultural attainment and a deep understanding of acrobatics itself willing to engage in research.