Qing Dynasty Guangxu thirty-one year(1905 A.D.)

182.5 x 72.5 cm

Collection Number：2023-1654

This is a joyous gazette of the county-level examination (縣試) held in 1905. The county-level examination was the first stage of the imperial examination system in the Qing Dynasty. It took place annually in February in various county towns and consisted of five rounds of examinations. Those who passed and had their names listed on the announcement were known as Tongsheng (童生) and were qualified to participate in the provincial-level examination (府試) held in April.

 

The results of the county-level examination were typically announced by the county school, as indicated by the inscription "She county School Gazette(歙縣學報)" on this announcement. The candidate Wu Lulin from She county, ranked fourteenth in his initial examination, showing great potential. However, in between the summer and autumn of the same year, the Qing Dynasty announced the abolition of the imperial examination system, rendering his years of hard work in preparation ultimately in vain. This is indeed a cause for regret.