Painting of Cuju 

Huang Shen painted this image of Cuju during the Qing Dynasty. It depicts a game similar to soccer, hugely popular in China for centuries. Here, we see a group of men deeply engrossed in the sport. But, this isn't just a depiction of a game. Huang Shen created this piece during a period of Manchu rule, a time of cultural suppression and negotiation for the Han Chinese. The literati, like Huang Shen, often used art to express subtle resistance or to reflect on their cultural identity. Consider how the energy of the game, the focus and camaraderie among the players, might represent a longing for cultural expression and a connection to their heritage. What does it mean to find joy and freedom within constraints? Cuju, in this context, becomes more than a sport; it's a symbol of cultural resilience. It evokes questions about identity, resistance, and the ways in which people find joy and connection even in constrained circumstances.