White Jade Qilin
White jade
18th Century
Length 2.5 inches (6.35cm)
The mythical qilin is said to walk so lightly as to leave no footprints, and so carefully as to crush no living thing. Descended from remote antiquity, the beast is believed to live to be ten thousand years old. The qilin is most often employed to signify perfect, good and happy married bliss.
This fabulous beast captures the refinement and elegance that is representative of 18th century works. The qilin is rendered from a white jade stone with slight russet markings around the wings and face. In calm repose, the qilin represents a good sense of sculptural design and a clever use of the jade pebble’s original shape. The detail of the finely incised hair work, divided paws, curving horns and ears lying flat against the head result in a naturalistic deer-like appearance. However, the qilin’s round, bulging eyes, sweeping wings and stylized, fan-like tail give this creature a magical appearance. This qilin represents a highly developed style which artists in later periods tried to emulate, but were rarely successful. In our opinion the subject matter and outstanding workmanship are representative of 18th century
An animal group of the same period with similar stylistic elements is illustrated in: Transactions Of The Oriental Art Society. Hong Kong: Oriental Ceramic Society, 1976. Page 83, plate 253.
Animals of the same period with similar coloration and detail are illustrated in Chinese Jade Carving. Dr. Ip Yee. Hong Kong: Museum of Art, 1983. Page 146, plate 134; page 154, plate 142.
Subject to prior sale.
Reference Number 4204
Price Available Upon Request
To inquire about this work of art, contact us at 415.299.1600 or email at sbernsteinjade@aol.com