Ceramic with greenish-brown glaze
China, Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Sculptural figure of the mythical creature Qilin in seated position
Elaborately modeled face with the characteristic horn on its head
Height: 28 cm
Condition: see condition report
Provenance: Private collection M.E., USA
Michael Fiorello, Philadelphia, USA

Figures of this kind were often placed in pairs at the entrance of a tomb area to protect the deceased against evil spirits. An almost identical guardian figure of the same size can be found in the Freer Sackler Collection, Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C. (accession no. F1909.326).



Qilin

The Qilin is known as one of the four Chinese miracle creatures. It is a chimera animal – a sort of stag with a dragon’s head and ox hooves combined with a lion’s head and a carp’s beard. Even though the beast is thought to be rather large, it is known to be able to walk on grass without breaking it or crushing bugs. Fitting this, the Qilin is also known to live off a strict vegetarian diet. Its name is a combination of the maleQiand the female Lin and thus incorporates the principle of Yin and Yang and the dualism of the sexes. According to Chinese mythology, Qilins can turn thousand years old. The first Qilin was apparently caught back at Confuzius’ time, but was immediately killed – much to the philosopher’s disappointment. Lacking any comparable animals, the Chinese called the first giraffe they saw a Qilin – it was brought to China by the famous seafarer Zheng He (1371-1433/35) who brought the animal from one of his journeys to his emperor Yongle (1360-1424). Until today, giraffes are actually calledkirinin Japanese and Korean.



Condition: The figure is in good condition with signs of age. The legs have been restored. The height measures 28 cm.

Provenance: Private collection M.E., USA

Michael Fiorello, Philadelphia, USA

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