Lot 632
632
A GREYISH-WHITE AND BROWN JADE FIGURE OF A QILIN
A GREYISH-WHITE AND BROWN JADE FIGURE OF A QILIN
A GREYISH-WHITE AND BROWN JADE FIGURE OF A QILIN
A GREYISH-WHITE AND BROWN JADE FIGURE OF A QILIN
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A GREYISH-WHITE AND BROWN JADE FIGURE OF A QILIN

MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)

Details
A GREYISH-WHITE AND BROWN JADE FIGURE OF A QILIN
MING DYNASTY (1368-1644)
The horned mythical beast, shown standing on a rock-carved base with head turned to the side, has a scaly body, long, segmented mane and a bushy tail swept up onto the back. The greyish-white stone has areas of brown color.
4 in. (10.2 cm.) long
Provenance
Stephen Junkunc, III (d. 1978) Collection.

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Rufus Chen (陳嘉安)
Rufus Chen (陳嘉安) Head of Sale, AVP, Specialist
+1 212 636 2180

Lot Essay


The qilin is an auspicious symbol of longevity, fertility and wise administration, as it only appears during the reign of a benevolent ruler. It is also associated with the Confucian virtue of ren, as it is benevolent to all living creatures. When combined with a boy seated on its back the qilin represents the bringing of illustrious sons.

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