The qilin is a very auspicious animal as it is believed to live for a thousand years, to be the noblest of all animals and therefore to represent perfect goodness. It was thought to tread so lightly and carefully that it left no footprints and it damaged no living thing with its hoofs. The appearance of a qilin was supposed to be the sign of a virtuous ruler. Bearing books on its back, a reference to the scholar, it is also an allusion to the 'four elegant accomplishments' of music, chess, literature and painting. The subject therefore is a reference to long life and perfect goodness as well as literary accomplishments.

Compare the present lot with another qilin modelled in a similar way, formerly in the collection of Oscar Raphael and now in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, included in the International Exhibition of Chinese Art, 1935-6, Catalogue, no. 2864. Cf. also other related examples, one illustrated in Jadeware (III): The Complete Collection of Treasures in the Palace Museum, no. 94, pl. 114; one illustrated by Hartman, Three Dynasties of Jade, no. 21; and another sold in these Rooms, 2 November 1999, lot 821.

(US$40,000-50,000)