Pair of Qilin in cloisonné – China

Pair of Qilin
Made of cloisonné and resting on wooden bases

Qing Dynasty, Jiaqing Emperor Period (1760-1820)
Dimensions cm: 20 height x 31 length x 9 depth
China

A fantastic animal or Chinese unicorn, it is initially represented with the body of a deer covered in scales, a head similar to that of a dragon and equipped with a horn, the tail of an ox, thin legs and hooves of a horse. Later the head became that of a dragon with two horns and a curly and bushy tail like that of a Buddhist lion. His skin is of five colors: red, yellow, blue, white and black; the belly is yellow. The joints, often flaming, indicate his divine essence.

In Taoist mythology it is one of the four supernatural creatures, together with the dragon, the phoenix and the turtle. It is considered the noblest and most perfect form of all animals, an emblem of elegance, goodness, virtue, wise management and numerous offspring. It walks without stepping on grass or any living thing and its gait is so light that it does not cause any noise and does not leave any footprints.

It is said that it reaches a thousand years and that its appearance is an auspicious omen and sign of good government or the coming of a sage. The Qilin was embroidered on the court clothes of high-ranking officials and stone statues of such animals lined the shendao or "spirit street", that is, the avenue leading to the sepulchral mausoleums.

All the works sold by us are accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.
It is possible to see the works directly at the Como gallery, via Armando Diaz n.50

The works are delivered personally or shipped in Italy and abroad with professional packaging, generally custom-made wooden crates. Shipments are covered by nail-to-nail insurance.

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