Ivory brush pot carved with scenes of people playing cuju, Song Dyansty	Copper mirror engraved with patterns of people playing cuju, Song Dynasty

Cuju flourished during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) due to social and economic development, extending its popularity to every class in society -- from the emperor to ordinary civilians. At that time, professional Cuju players were quite popular, and the sport began to take on a commercial edge. Professional Cuju players fell into two groups: One was trained by and performed for the royal court (unearthed copper mirrors and brush pots from the Song often depict professional performances) and the other consisted of civilians who made a living as Cuju players.

In the Song Dynasty Cuju organizations were set up in large cities called Qi Yun She or Yuan She -- now known as the earliest professional Cuju club -- whose members were either Cuju lovers or professional performers. Non-professional players had to formally appoint a professional as his or her teacher and pay a fee before becoming a member. This process ensured an income for the professionals.

Unlike Cuju of the Tang Dynasty, only one goal post was set up in the middle of the field during the Song.

White pottery pillow painted with a child playing cuju, Jin Dynasty (1115-1234)	Painting of three scholars playing a cuju match, Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)	Porcelain painted with children playing cuju, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

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