Chinese school of the 19th century.

Chinese school of the 19th century.
"Immortal mounted on a Qilin".
Qing Dynasty, 19th century
Sculpture in cloisonné enamel.
Measurements: 25 x 24 x 8 cm.

The qilin is a Chinese mythical creature reminiscent of a deer, and is an important symbol of good omen. It stands out for its kindness, and also symbolizes longevity and happiness. In traditional representations, it is an animal with the body of a deer, the tail of an ox, the head of a wolf and the hooves of a horse, characterized by one or two horns. Sometimes it appears jumping between two cliffs, because it rides flying so as not to hurt insects or grass. It can appear alone, sometimes carrying a sacred Buddhist text on its back, or in the company of other animals. Along with the dragon, the phoenix and the turtle, it is one of the four emblematic animals of Chinese mythology, and is the first of the four-legged animals on Earth.