A catastrophic fire in Beijing's Forbidden City in 1923 destroyed the Qianlong Emperor's vast collection of paintings and calligraphy, leaving two enduring mysteries: was the fire deliberate, and had the artworks already vanished before the blaze? Ho Kwong-sing's extensive research has uncovered surviving examples of ancient Chinese paintings and calligraphy, some stretching over 50 meters long, each bearing the seals of numerous collectors that attest to their traceable provenance. This book focuses on one such treasure: the calligraphy of Wang Ningzhi. To aid readers in appreciating this work, the author employs a unique ten-question format designed to illuminate essential identification methods for these rare artistic pieces.

The book addresses the enduring mysteries surrounding the destruction of the Qianlong Emperor's art collection and the potential pre-fire disappearance of artworks. It highlights the author's research into surviving scrolls, emphasizing their length and the evidence of their provenance through collector seals. The inclusion of a ten-question format aims to provide readers with practical tools for identifying and appreciating Chinese calligraphy, specifically focusing on Wang Ningzhi's work. The material suggests a scholarly approach to art history, combining historical investigation with connoisseurship.