Acrobatics is one of the oldest arts in China, which was called Baixi in Qin Dynasty (221-207BC) and was further developed in Han Dynasty (206BC-AD220) referring to the theatricals and variety shows including pole climbing, wrestling dance, sword-swallowing and tripod lifting.
With the enrichment of the varieties and skills of acrobatics, it became an entertainment both in the royal court and common families in Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907).
Murals, brick carvings, stone carvings, paintings and pottery figurines of Han Dynasty vividly embodied the acrobatic performances of that time.
Here are some figurines of Han and Tang Dynasties collected by the civilian collectors.
The 12.3 cm high figurine of Han Dynasty with the posture of hand-stand was made from black pottery. The two persons on the ground are back to back, standing on their head, each one with one leg stretching straight and the other leg bent to form an arched shape. The third person bends his head backward close to his back and his two hands respectively hold the ankles of the two persons below, then stand on his hands and bend his legs. With graceful postures, the figurine displays a dynamic and energetic feeling, which is comparable with gymnasts and acrobats today.
The 11 cm high figurine of Tang Dynasty with the posture of hand-stand was made from red pottery. The person has a fur hat on his head wearing a front-buttoned padded jacket and trousers. With the legs bent, his hands support the body upward and his chin touches the ground, forming a wonderful posture.
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