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Lot 15
A rare greyish and russet jade carving of a qilin 17th/18th century
4 June 2015, 10:30 HKT
Hong Kong, Six Pacific PlaceHK$180,000 - HK$240,000
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A rare greyish and russet jade carving of a qilin
17th/18th century
Crisply carved, its head turned sharply to the left, looking back at the floating pearl amid ruyi-shaped puffs of cloud issuing from its mouth, the horned beast with curling beard, tail and line-incised mane recumbent with its four legs tucked gracefully under the body, with flame-like motifs to the haunches, the stone of grey tone with minor russet inclusions, wood stand.
9.7cm (3 7/8in) long (2).
Crisply carved, its head turned sharply to the left, looking back at the floating pearl amid ruyi-shaped puffs of cloud issuing from its mouth, the horned beast with curling beard, tail and line-incised mane recumbent with its four legs tucked gracefully under the body, with flame-like motifs to the haunches, the stone of grey tone with minor russet inclusions, wood stand.
9.7cm (3 7/8in) long (2).
Footnotes
十七/十八世紀 灰玉雕麒麟擺件
The carving of the present lot is particularly rare with the mythical beast carrying on its back a pearl emanating from a wisp of clouds, compared to the more familiar subject of qilin carrying books.
The qilin represents a number of positive attributes including benevolence, longevity, grandeur, felicity, illustrious offspring and wise administration. It is considered a good omen as it is said to appear only during the reign of a benevolent ruler. The pearl carried on top of the cloud scrolls could be associated with the pearl so often depicted pursued by dragons. The combined representation of the qilin and the pearl could therefore symbolise wise administration of the empire by the virtuous ruler, the emperor.
Compare a related white and russet jade carving of a qilin sold in our London rooms on 15 May 2014, lot 170.
麒麟是仁慈和祥的象徵，主太平、長壽、吉祥。此拍品中的「麒麟吐珠」紋飾在玉器中非常少見，參考一件白玉帶皮雕麒麟例子，倫敦邦瀚斯，2014年5月15日，拍品170。