Qilin with Divine Law Books
Culture
Chinese
Date18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumpale green nephrite
Dimensionswith base: 12.7 x 10.2 cm (5 x 4 in.)
ClassificationsJades
Credit LineGift of John and Maria Dirlam
Terms
Object number2009.153
DescriptionWhite or pale green jade with book of knowledge, clouds coming out of mouth, bow on horns, 3 part tufted tail and scales.Label TextAlong with the dragon, phoenix and tortoise, the qilin is one of the four great mythical animals. The qilin is endowed with the head of a dragon, scales of a fish, antlers of a deer, hooves of a goat and bushy tail of a lion. It is thought to walk on grass without trampling it and cross water without sinking. The swirling smoke emerging from its mouth to elevate a bundle of divine law books conveys that the qilin is as an omen of serenity and prosperity-it appears before the birth of a virtuous sage or the beginning of a righteous administration. Since the qilin is an emblem of goodness and filial piety, its horns are tied with a bow.
On View
On view
Chinese
early 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 18th century, Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
18th century, Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
