A distinctive feature of Professor Jao Tsung-i's academic achievements is the seamless integration of scholarship and art. This lecture is divided into two approaches: one is entering art through scholarship, treating art as a form of learning; the other is entering scholarship through art, transforming learning into art. The former includes examples such as using the philosophy of the I Ching, Zhuangzi, and Chan Buddhism to reflect on painting, applying ancient paleography to calligraphy, incorporating archaeology into the study of calligraphy, and integrating academic archaeological travels into painting. The latter includes, for instance, conducting scholarship with the innocent, playful, and non-utilitarian spirit of an artist; using an artist's imagination and empathy to assist textual research and verification; applying an artist's curiosity to enhance scholarly inquiry; and undertaking major academic endeavors with the grand cosmic passion of an artist.

Drawing upon over forty hours of interviews with Professor Jao, Prof. Hu presents two key case studies for analysis: the poetry and painting "Spring in Jiangnan" and its significance, as well as an appreciation of Selected Purity: The Art of Jao Tsung-i. In an era marked by a divide between scholarship and art, revisiting this distinctive characteristic of Professor Jao is expected to deepen understanding of his academic work, contribute to a richer appreciation of China's outstanding scholarly traditions, and inspire young scholars to internalize and embody these values in their own practice.