Culture Insider: Admission letters in ancient China

Gold and glittering admission letter

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the admission letter was on paper decorated with gold bits, or scraps, to denote those who stood out in the ancient imperial examinations, or keju. The gold notice was sent home by students attached to a letter, instead of through official channels, so some people think this was not an official admission letter.

The widely-recognized official admission letter was called jinhua tiezi (golden flower letter), which appeared later. It was similar to today's admission letters from key national universities.

According to historical records from the Song Dynasty (960-1279), jinhua tiezi was written on top-quality paper sprinkled with powdered gold, which was usually five cun long (about 15 centimeters). Until the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), woodblock printed admission letters were made.