In an interview with He Daxin, a research associate at the Shaanxi History Museum, we explored the vivid scenes of ancient leisure depicted in Tang Dynasty tomb murals, specifically focusing on the energetic world of polo as captured in a remarkable mural from the tomb of Crown Prince Zhanghuai.
The morning atmosphere at the Daming Palace National Heritage Park in Xi’an, Shaanxi, is still buzzing with the echoes of recent Olympic fervor. Interestingly, this very landscape was once alive with similar sporting enthusiasm centuries ago, now preserved in the ancient murals buried underground.
In these murals, we see competitors on horseback, wielding curved sticks in a thrilling chase after a small ball, competing to score by driving it into a hole. This scene reflects a cultural pastime resembling modern-day sports: hockey sticks, golf rules, and baseball techniques all come to mind as we observe what was once a nationwide sport in the Tang Dynasty—polo. He likened the mural to a snapshot of the past, allowing viewers to witness the intense competition and enthusiasm people had for sports during that era.
He Daxin explains, “In the Tang Dynasty, polo was enjoyed by everyone—from emperors to commoners. The sport had professional teams with uniforms and scoring systems.” He notes that the popularity of polo led to variations like “donkey polo” and “foot polo,” and the tomb murals vividly portray the lifestyles of their owners, showcasing polo as a beloved national pastime.
The murals from the Tang Dynasty are said to reach a peak in artistic accomplishment compared to previous eras. They served as crucial indicators of the status and identity of individuals buried alongside intricate artifacts. With Xi’an as a center of political, economic, and cultural life, this region holds the largest concentration of Tang dynasty tomb murals in China, reflecting a fascinating glimpse into history.
As we surveyed nearly 600 murals in the museum, we marveled at their unique architectural styles, expressive figures, and lively depictions of daily life, rituals, and leisure activities—each mural opening a window into a world from a millennium ago.
One captivating example is the “Musical Performance” mural, depicting a vibrant concert where dancers move gracefully to the rhythm, surrounded by musicians playing traditional Chinese and Silk Road instruments. He Daxin noted that this fusion of East and West demonstrated the dynamic musical culture of the Tang Dynasty.
Moving on, we examined scenes featuring attendants carrying elaborate dishes and utensils, such as high-footed cups and silver trays, as they catered to their masters. We also found a mural portraying a delicacy reminiscent of modern ice cream, a dish created from dairy products and adorned with vibrant toppings, which He described as a symbol of the diverse culinary influences that flowed into Chang’an from various cultures.
“The rich dining customs of the Tang Dynasty stemmed from the influx of different ethnic groups and their diverse culinary traditions,” he stated. He Daxin emphasized that the artistic themes during this period became more varied, including landscapes, portraits, and thematic depictions of all aspects of life, contributing to a more colorful and dynamic culture overall.
“Unlike textual records, these murals provide a three-dimensional view of history, allowing us to perceive different angles of societal development,” He Daxin explained. He concluded that the murals not only bring the past to life but also connect various historical sources and artifacts, reinforcing our understanding of history through their vivid depictions of life in the Tang Dynasty.
