"this painting refers to the bestowal of a high honour on a scholar official by the emperor. The honour was so rare, however, that only a few historical examples are recorded. In one case, the great literatus in the eleventh century, su shi, was on duty in the imperial academy when he was summoned into the emperor’s presence to be informed of his promotion following a period in exile. The emperor admired su shi greatly and even allowed him to sit in his presence and offered him tea, conversing with him for hours. When it was time to leave, deep into the night, the emperor ordered his own escort to bring su shi back to the academy. Su shi was moved to tears by this honour. As the imperial ‘golden lotus’ lanterns were spotted approaching the academy, it was naturally assumed the emperor was approaching. That is the moment evoked in this painting. "
—chester beatty library. Date: 1892. Dimensions: 59.6 × 28.6 cm. Medium: ink and colors on silk. Collection: Shanghai Museum. Returning to the Academy by Golden Lotus Lamplight
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