1-234-290 - The Museum of East Asian Art/Heritage Images

Silk inner lining of a scholar's garment with many texts drawn from Chinese classics, Qing dynasty, China, second half of 18th century. A large cream coloured silk garment lining panel covered with numerous characters finely written in black and red ink of famous classical texts and commentaries. Each passage is written in black ink with a heading in red ink stating from where the quotation or text comes. This item is a typical so-called 'cheat's handkerchief' used to assist the candidate in his attempt to pass the imperial exam into the mandarinate. As only about 5% passed the exam, cheating was comparatively frequent but if caught was a serious offence which would undoubtedly result in a lifelong ban on retaking.