Four Ladies of the Court Playing Polo

Polo was one of a number of leisure activities that entered China from Central Asia along the Silk Road. It was enthusiastically adopted by the Tang imperial family, who established a polo field at the court. Women were keen players and were noted for their deftness at backhand shots. When playing polo, court women had to temporarily abandon their elegant court robes and elaborate headgear and adopt trousers essential for all true equestriennes.

Purchase: acquired through the generosity of Katherine Harvey