The past is gone

In 1933, Junichiro Tanizaki wrote his book In Praise Of Shadows.
He mourned the loss of many cultural practices that were rapidly fading in Japan's race to embrace Western values and interests.
In his own lifetime he realised that the past was gone.

It is possible to see the same situation occurring in China: the birthplace of tai chi.
The 20th Century was a turbulent time for China; and much that existed is now lost forever.