Qing Dynasty Cheat's Handkerchief

Extremely rare Chinese Qing Dynasty Cheat's handkerchief, c.1,…
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Extremely rare Chinese Qing Dynasty Cheat's handkerchief, c.1,850, in silk, of square form, covered in miniature black script of cheat notes in order pass Imperial examinations, mounted, 37 cm x 38 cm catalogue note: Pressure to do well in the examinations in Imperial china was extreme-it could ensure benefits not only for the student but the benefits also flowed on to the family if the student did well and obtained rank. It is well documented that cheating took place and that these handkerchiefs were smuggled into the cells where students were locked up for 3 days with only basic essentials of ink, inkstone, brush etc. There is an examination Museum in Nanjing, china where a small fragment of one of these handkerchiefs is exhibited. Provenance: collection of Judith Rutherford

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  • Qing Dynasty - The Qing Dynasty was the last imperial dynasty of China, ruling from 1644 to 1912. It was established by the Manchu people, who originated from the northeastern region of China. The Qing Dynasty was preceded by the Ming Dynasty and followed by the Republic of China.
  • Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

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