「Look at the Picture and Talk about the Painting」What Did Ancient Children Play With in Their Daily Lives?

There was no “Children’s Day” in ancient times—how did children of the past spend their childhood? The answer lies hidden in a series of paintings depicting children at play. These artworks, centered on children’s games and activities, originated in the Han Dynasty, began to flourish during the Wei and Jin periods, and reached maturity in the Tang and Song dynasties, documenting the daily lives and amusements of children over a thousand years ago.

From the Han Dynasty to the Wei and Jin Dynasties, there was no formally titled “Children at Play” in Chinese painting, yet images of children playing with dove carts and riding bamboo hobbyhorses had already emerged. The genre reached its zenith in the Song Dynasty, where Su Hanchen stood out as its most representative painter.”Children Playing in an Autumn Courtyard” centers on the traditional intellectual game of jujube top. The children focus intently on their game, vividly capturing the immersive joy of childhood play. “Children at Play in a Winter Courtyard” freezes a warm moment in a winter courtyard, where plum blossoms, camellias and green bamboos set off one another beautifully. A brother and a sister tease a kitten with peacock feathers. “Young Boys Performing Rod Puppets” depicts youngsters putting on a rod puppet show, fully embodying the folk childhood amusements of the Song urban society. “One Hundred Boys of Eternal Spring” presents a panoramic view of a hundred children frolicking across four seasons. The painting embodies people’s sincere wishes for worldly happiness, peace throughout the year and enduring prosperity for generations to come.

These vivid and lively depictions of children at play are precious artistic treasures, preserving the joyful and diverse charm of childhood from a thousand years ago. Across time, innocence and love remain the most healing forces for the heart. On this Children’s Day, may both young and old keep their childlike wonder and enjoy endless joy year after year!

The tea for today is all gone. Next time, I’ll brew a fresh pot and enjoy art with you again.