There were a special group of women engaged in singing and dancing. They received strict artistic training from a young age, so most of them were experts in singing, dancing and literature.

Music, chess, calligraphy and painting were the basic standard of gifted female.

Music

Music refers to the qin (a kind of seven-stringed plucked instrument, similar to a zither) that has a more than 3,000 year history. It was required that every scholar learn the instrument.

Chess

Chess refers to encirclement chess. The ancient women had no chance to do the same work as men. So they gathered and played chess to relax.

Calligraphy and literature

Writing calligraphy and poems was not the privilege of men. Women learned how to read, write and calligraphy no matter what their family background. They read to improve themselves, wrote poems to record their feelings and life, and did calligraphy for enjoyment.

Painting

There were many women who had a talent for painting in ancient times, though their skill was often overlooked in the male-dominated society of that time. The theme of their paintings usually related to flowers, little pets and beautiful women.

Needlework

Needlework is the symbol of diligent women and reflects female emotion and intelligence. It is also the standard of being a good wife.

It is a custom that has lasted to the present time. Women in the old days often made needlework for their lovers, while modern girls like to make gifts such as scarves and cross-stitch embroidery.