Body Training-Body on Display: Exploring the Mystery of the Human Body through Historical Images

:::

Body Training

“Body training” encompasses more than just health and strength; it also entails cultural wisdom and transmission. In ancient times, individuals trained their bodies for various reasons, such as for military purposes, health preservation, longevity, procreation, and fulfilling physiological needs. Through such training, not only were specific movements and even values internalized into the body, but the process also cultivated and shaped it. This section showcases text and images found in ancient documents and paintings such as Ayusi Sweeping Bandits with a Lance, Shaolin Staff Techniques, Sancai Tuhui, Marrow of the Red Phoenix, and The Newly Engraved Essential Techniques for Health Preservation, along with secret erotic illustrations hidden within the lids of snuff bottles. These items illustrate how the body was systematized and symbolized in historical culture, serving to enhance personal skills as well as to cultivate the mind and body. Also, visitors will witness the intricacies of Eastern body training practices, such as Shaolin staff techniques, the Five-Animal Exercises, and the Eight-Section Brocade; and appreciate the beauty of art and body found in Western erotic images.

Read the following for how to use your keyboard to browse the album：

Martial Practices

1. Shaolin Gunfa Chanzong
(Shaolin Staff Techniques)
Written by Cheng Zongyou, Ming dynasty
Published by the Cheng family of Xin’an as part of the Gengyu Shengji in 1621, the 1st year of the Tianqi reign (1621–1627), Ming dynasty
平圖011458-011460

2. Ayuxi Chimao Dangkou Tu

In ancient times, martial arts were practiced for self-defense and strengthening the body, cultivating habits and traits through training. This exhibition features key works such as Bing Lu (Military Records), Qi Jiguang’s (1528–1588) Jixiao Xinshu (New Treatise on Military Efficiency) on weapon techniques, and Shaolin Gunfa Chanzong (Shaolin Staff Techniques). Paintings like Giuseppe Castiglione’s (1688–1766) “Qing Langshining Hua Ayuxi Chimao Dangkou Tu (A-yu-hsi with Lance and Helmet)” depict heroic martial expressions, while military formations like the “Qixingzhen (Seven Stars Formation)” and the “Bujibing Yanlian Zhentu (Diagrams of Infantry and Cavalry Drill Formation),” demonstrated how military training shaped soldiers' physical senses and characteristics of movement.
Fangzhongshu and Erotic Scenes

Xiuzhen Yanyi
(Romance of Cultivation into an Immortal)
Written by Deng Xixian, Ming dynasty
Jinling Jingshan Shulin printed edition, part of the Yimen Guangdu Series, Wanli period (1573–1620), Ming dynasty

Fangzhongshu (Sexual Practices) offer another lens to explore how ancient people trained their bodies, focusing on breathing, emotions, and techniques during intercourse. Ming dynasty Chinese literati discussed these ideas in essays and family teachings, while medical texts emphasized on longevity, health, disease prevention, and procreation. Similar depictions exist in Western traditions, though by the 17th century, sexuality became heavily tabooed.

From a gender perspective, sexual practices reveal contrasting views. Some scholars argue these texts reflect a male-centric perspective, treating women as tools for mens’ cultivation. Others highlight texts emphasizing harmony, intimacy, and mutual pleasure, suggesting women also experienced agency and freedom. This exhibition showcases Chinese classics like Bigeng Shanfang Bianerchai (The Farmer’s Hut Writings on Bianerchai) and Xiuzhen Yanyi (Romance of Cultivation into an Immortal), alongside Western artifacts, such as erotic illustrations on snuff box lids. It encourages visitors to reflect on sexuality's cultural, medical, and emotional aspects in both traditions, connecting them with the important purposes of cultivation and procreation.
Daoyin

Daoyin is a traditional health practice focusing on regulated breathing, stretching, and movements guided by breath and mental focus. Originating in ancient times, it gained popularity during the Han Dynasty and became integral to Daoism as spiritual cultivation. Renowned practices include the “Wuqinxi (Five-animal frolics),” inspired by tiger, bear, deer, monkey, and bird movements for health, rooted in Zhuangzi and the Mawangdui Han tomb illustrations, popularized by physician Hua Tuo (c. 145–208). The “Baduanjin (Eight pieces of brocade),” named after richly patterned silk, consists of eight types of movements and was first mentioned in Yijian Zhi (The chronicles of Yijian) by Hong Mai (1123–1202). However, detailed illustrations and descriptions first appeared in health cultivation texts such as Chifengsui (Marrow of the Red Phoenix) after the 16th century.